Bandit raids push 10,000 out of school in Baringo

Over 10,000 learners in the cattle-rustling prone Mukutani in Baringo South Sub-County have dropped out of school since 2005 owing to rampant insecurity.

Over 25 schools have also been closed and many others vandalised.

Baringo South MP Grace Kipchoim noted that insecurity had also driven out thousands of people from their homes.

“We are demanding that the government recognizes people displaced by insecurity, the same way it did with the 2007 post-poll IDPs and resettle them,” Ms Kipchoim said.

“We are already documenting all those who have been affected by the perennial insecurity including those who have lost their loved ones,” she added.

Ms Kipchoim said 20 percent of the population has been displaced from her Baringo South Constituency since 2005.

EDUCATION RUINED

A spot check by the Nation revealed that the education sector has completely been ruined with most schools also in need of renovation after they were vandalized by armed bandits.

At Kapindasum Day and Boarding Primary School, the girls’ dormitory and administration block have been vandalized. The only sign that it was a school are some torn exercise and text books strewn all over the floor. The dormitory is now just a shell with doors and windows all broken down. And the only sign it was a girls’ dormitory are pieces of sanitary pads and cotton wool thrown all over.

Some class rooms have been turned into a temporary Administration Police camp as the government moves in to secure the area. The State has assured locals it will restore security.

Other schools hit by the insecurity that has left over 50 people dead include Chemorokyon, Arabal, Ng’elecha, Katilomwo, Ramacha and Kasiela.

Kenya National Union of Teachers’ Baringo Branch chairman Joshua Cheptarus said many teachers have also fled the area due to the insecurity.

Mr Cheptarus said nine schools in Baringo South and Baringo North sub-counties were closed due to the recent upsurge in insecurity. Few pupils have moved to schools in secure areas.

“The government should be serious in tackling insecurity. Schools must be secured from the ruthless bandits who have over the years disrupted learning,” Mr Cheptarus said.

STOP POLITICISING

“Leaders should also stop politicising the insecurity. Let them join hands and find a solution to this problem instead of engaging in blame games.”

Some students are reported to have moved to neighbouring towns including Marigat where they have resorted to menial jobs to make ends meet after their parents lost all the livestock, their only source of livelihood.

And the Nation team came face-to-face with the aftermath of insecurity when it toured the area. The trip was not for the faint-hearted. The rough tough terrain is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles.

A 20km-drive and you don’t a single person as the area is deserted. Decomposing cattle carcasses are strewn all over, evidence of persistent drought.

An operation is on to flush out Pokot herders from neighbouring Tiaty Sub-County, where they ventured with their livestock in search water and pasture, sparking fears of conflicts.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery had given the herders one week to move out or be ejected forcefully.

Over 200 security personnel have set camp at Kapindasum in an attempt to restore safety.

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Osman Warfa, Rift Valley regional police coordinator Gideon Amala and Arrison Otieno from the Kenya Police headquarters, want those who fled their homes to return.