Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i, has ordered for the immediate arrest of the principal of Tot Secondary School after the learning institution's bus was sprayed with bullets by bandits.
Speaking during an education stakeholders event in Nairobi on Friday, February 18, Matiang'i blamed the school administrator for flaunting regulations put in place by the government regarding the use of school buses.
Matiang'i stated that the government had put in place regulations that prohibit the use of school buses past 1830hrs.
"The attack we had on the school bus ought not to have happened in the first place. That school was in violation of the government policy of moving children beyond 1800hrs. The attack to place at 2200hrs.
"I have spoken to Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai this morning and we are in agreement that we will arrest that principal and have him prosecuted for violation of public policy," he stated.
The CS called on school administrators to adhere to stipulated regulations put in place by the Ministry of Education so as to protect school children. He added the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will also take disciplinary action against the principal.
"TSC will do their job after we have done ours. These things are not in place just because of it. They are there because we want to keep our children safe. Whether in Nairobi, Nakuru, or Kisii, no school bus should be on the road beyond 1830hrs," Matiang'i stated.
This was echoed by his Education counterpart, George Magoha, who stated that the police will impound any school bus that is ferrying students past the stipulated hours.
During the attack that is reported to have taken place at 2200hrs, 15 students were injured while the driver of the bus died on the spot.
Additionally, two teachers were admitted at the Kapsowar Mission Hospital while in critical condition.
While speaking to the media after the attack, Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander, Patrick Lumumba, also blamed the school administration for neglecting government regulation on the use of school buses, adding that the road that was used has been prone to bandit attacks.
“Recovery efforts are ongoing and the students have been taken to various health facilities in Kerio Valley and those with serious injuries referred to Kapsowar Mission Hospital,” he stated.
