At least 7 students and teachers are admitted at various hospitals in Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties following a Thursday night bandit attack targeted at school buses.
The buses were carrying students and teachers who were heading back to their school following an educational tour.
Bandits believed to be from the neighboring Tiaty constituency are said to have attacked the buses at Arror, killing the driver on the spot, and injuring students and teachers.
According to the Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Wisley Rotich, several students and teachers are admitted at among others Chesongok mission hospital and Kapsowar Hospital in the county as well as Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and Mediheal hospital in Eldoret town.
“Three students are at Kapsowar hospital and two at MTRH. One is in theatre and another one in ward,” Rotich said in a phone interview with Uasin Gishu News.
“We also have two teachers at Mediheal. One is out of theatre and the other one is heading for surgery,” he added.
Rotich with other leaders has already visited those admitted in Eldoret.
Other students, the Deputy Governor says, are still at the scene of the incident, where they have looked for a secure place for them.
The attack on the students is a latest one targeting schools, following the previous one on Luguget secondary.
Rotich is now concerned that the bandits are now changing tact by focusing on learning institutions.
He notes that over 5 schools have now been attacked by the bandits.
The DG is now asking the national government to look at ways that will guarantee security of learners, especially ahead of the examination period.
“Looks like the bandits want to cripple learning. We urge the government to ensure sufficient security to the schools. We should have at least 5 police officers per school during exam period,” said the Deputy County boss.
There has been rising concerns over insecurity in the Kerio Valley, with Rotich saying for the last 6 months over 80 people have been killed due to bandit attacks.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i recently said the government would enhance security in the area, but so far, no action has been taken.
