School Bus Attack Survivors Recount Last Minutes Before Ambush

Tot High School bus that was attacked by bandits on Thursday, February 17, 2022.
Tot High School bus that was attacked by bandits on Thursday, February 17, 2022.
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Tot High School students who survived an attack by armed bandits painfully narrated the ordeal while under treatment at a local hospital. 

The learners who were admitted at the Kapsowar Mission Hospital revealed that armed bandits ambushed their school bus while they were coming from an academic tour on Thursday, February 17

Speaking to the press, one student recalled that their bus was among three school vehicles that were heading back to their institutions after the tour.

A school bus involved in an accident in the recent past
A school bus involved in an accident in the recent past.
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They suddenly heard screaming sounds and saw armed bandits emerging from the roadside. Their school driver veered off the road as the bandits opened fire.

Twelve students and 2 teachers were injured as the gunmen sprayed bullets at the bus. The driver who was shot by the bandits died on the spot.

According to the students, their efforts to hide inside the bus proved futile as the bandits were determined to flash them out. 

"It is a miracle that we survived. The gunmen first shot at our driver before spraying the rest of the bus with bullets. The shooting did not stop even after we ducked under the seats," a student stated.

"They stopped shooting and fled when I pleaded with them in vernacular telling them we are their narratives."

Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander, Patrick Lumumba, stated that investigations had commenced and the bandits were being tracked down. 

Following the attack, area Senator, Kipchumba Murkomen, lamented over the inaction by the police in dealing with the bandits in the area.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen addressing the media at a past function.
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"I hope Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai are aware that earlier in the evening a convoy of three buses carrying students of Tot Secondary School was attacked along Arror - Tot Road.

"I thought you said never again? Despite your promises, no protection and no National Police Reservist (NPR)," he stated.

After the comments by the senator, CS Matiang'i ordered the immediate arrest of the principal of Tot Secondary School after the attack.

Speaking during an education stakeholders event in Nairobi on Friday, February 18, Matiang'i blamed the school principal for flaunting regulations that banned school buses from operating after 6:30pm.

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