Kenia: Learning paralysed as families seek refuge in schools

Kenia / 01 de marzo de 2017 / Por: FLORAH KOECH – WYCLIFF KIPSANG / Fuente: http://www.nation.co.ke/

More than 37,000 pupils in 38 primary schools in cattle rustling prone areas of Baringo County have had their education interrupted following the killing of 10 people in a week.

Baringo Knut secretary Joshua Cheptarus warned of a bleak future should the situation continue.

Mr Cheptarus said that many parents in the area have been rendered paupers after their livestock which was a major source of livelihood were stolen by raiders.

“The situation is so bad here. More than 4,000 people who have fled their homes have sought refuge in schools (thus) hampering learning,” Mr Cheptarus told the Nation.

The Knut officials hit out at leaders in the neighbouring Tiaty sub-county for abetting cattle rustling, claiming that the culprits behind insecurity in the area are well known but no action has been taken against them.

Among the worst hit schools in Baringo North are Chepkewel, Kalabata, Yatia, Sibilo, Kapturo, Chemindany, Tilingwo, Kagir, Ng’aratuko,Kosile, Rormoch, Chepkesin, Kamwetio, Chepkew, Barketiew and Moinonin. Affected schools in Baringo South include Arabal, Ruggus, Mukutani, Kasiela, Chebinyiny, Chemorongion, Ng’elecha, Sinoni, Nyimbei, Tuiyotich and Kapindasum.

CRISIS LOOMING

A humanitarian crisis is now looming in the camps with the affected families living in deplorable conditions. Unconfirmed reports also indicated that more than 10 children have died in the camps due to biting cold.

The killings which have been witnessed in Baringo South and Baringo North are believed to be retaliatory following the killing of two Tiaty sub-county politicians by unknown people in Marigat two weeks ago.

The two Fredrick Kibet Cheretei (Loyamorok ward MCA) and Tiaty Jubilee parliamentary aspirant Simon Pepee Kitambaa were shot dead by hooded killers who were armed with machetes and an AK47 rifle at a bar.

A vehicle belonging to the deceased MCA was also torched, while that of the parliamentary aspirant had its windscreen shattered by the assailants. The killers also made away with a yellow polythene bag whose contents were not established.

Leaders from the banditry ravaged areas in Baringo County are on the spot for doing nothing to avert cold blood murders. West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo expressed his frustration in reaching out to Baringo leaders in a bid to broker peace.

Fuente noticia: http://www.nation.co.ke/news/education/Learning-paralysed-families-refuge-schools-/2643604-3830160-4l58ol/index.html