Learning paralysed in West Pokot as leaders blame Govt for allegedly failing to provide security
Learning has been paralysed in five schools at Cheptulel, Sigor constituency in West Pokot County following a raid that saw four villagers killed by intruders from the neighbouring Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Students at Cheptulel Secondary School, Chesegon Arpollo Secondary School, Cheptulel Girls School and Cheratak Secondary School have remained closed for fear of their safety.
“I was lucky to escape the attack which saw my friends killed in the raid. This insecurity is worrying,” Pkew Losia, a resident, said.
Sorrow engulfed the village during the burial of the four individuals who were killed on Saturday during a cattle rustling incident.
Leaders led by area Governor John Lonyangapuo and Senator Samuel Poghisio pointed an accusing finger at the government for allegedly failing to provide security in the region even after disarming the residents.
“The government promised to provide security for the residents after they surrendered their firearms, but this has not been the case since our people are still being killed by our neighbours despite their peaceful nature,” Lonyangapuo said.
On the same note, Senator Poghisio said it was wrong for the government to withdraw national police reservists NPR in the region in the name of retraining them, yet they played a crucial role in boosting security in the region.