Inside the Six-hour Siege by Bandits at Baringo South School

At 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Kapindasum Primary School in Baringo South was filled with over 227 grade six and class eight students who were diligently studying for their upcoming national examination.

Moments later, loud bangs echoed about a kilometre from the school premises. Reports indicate GSU officers patrolling the area crossed paths with armed bandits resulting in a frenzied and intense confrontation of rounds being fired. The high-pressure scenario continued for six hours while security agents, reinforced by the Rapid Deployment Unit and police reserves, clashed head-on with gunmen who had closed in around the school premises. A student named Winnie Jeruto revealed that they went through these nerve-racking moments, grappling with the sound of merciless gunfire and letting instructors guide them to stay put until the dust settled. A few students couldn’t take it and broke down in hysteria.

Acknowledging the fear and anxiety caused by the incident, the Head Teacher Elijah Kiptoon remains resolute that the recent attack would not deter students from taking their national exam at the school. He affirms that they would not be intimidated. The institution is among 20 others in the six counties of the troubled North Rift region that were earmarked by the state for reconstruction after being vandalised by armed criminals from the neighbouring community.

The school located in the troubled North Rift Region of Kenya, is one of 20 schools earmarked by the state for a reconstruction effort after being vandalised by gangs from a neighbouring community. The school officially opened on January 23, following an order by President William Ruto to resume learning in all dangerous areas. However, in order to better control students and ensure their safety during potential attacks, only Grade Six, Junior Secondary and Grade Eight learners were allowed to attend as they are all boarding students.

The school has also received extra protection with the deployment of more than eight police officers to live on school grounds, along with a General Service Unit (GSU) camp and an Armoured Police Carrier (APC) manned during the night.