The fate of Loramoru Primary School in Marigat, Baringo South Sub-County, remains uncertain after its classrooms were demolished in an operation allegedly carried out by officers from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
The incident has disrupted learning in an area that has only recently begun to experience stability after years of insecurity.
The school, which is about 40 years old, was previously closed due to persistent banditry in the region. Following a ceasefire agreement between the Pokot community and their neighbours, Loramoru Primary School was rebuilt in 2024 as part of broader efforts to restore normalcy and foster peace.
Learning resumed as families who had fled the violence slowly returned home.
Residents maintained that the school is duly registered, holding both a Ministry of Health code and a Teachers Service Commission (TSC) code, adding that the institution was only revived after peace negotiations restored calm in the area.
According to an account from the residents, officers alleged to be from the KFS stormed the area and destroyed the semi-permanent classrooms, claiming that the structures were built on a gazetted forest area.
Tension later escalated when the leaders tried to access and reconstruct the school and were barred from entering by the police
Another resident claimed that a call was made to officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), instructing that documents related to the school be detained. Residents are now demanding clarity, saying they want an official report to understand what decisions were made and why.
Community members have expressed concern that the disruption of education could undermine peace in the area.
They argue that keeping children in school is essential to maintaining stability as discussions over the KFS issue continue.
Additionally, they argued that the school has played a key role in supporting the fragile peace currently being enjoyed.
Baringo South Member of Parliament echoed these concerns, saying the school serves children from vulnerable families, including those who have recently returned after years of displacement.
He noted that peace is gradually being restored and described the school as semi-permanent, emphasising its importance to the community.
