Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said the principal of Tot Mixed Day Secondary School was negligent in allowing the school bus to leave past 6.30pm on Thursday.
The driver, 2 teachers and 13 students were attacked on Arror-Mogil Road in Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet County at 10.30pm on Thursday, February 17.
The victims were returning from a school trip, said Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Patrick Lumumba.
The injured were taken to Kapsowar Mission Hospital for treatment.
Speaking at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete, Kiambu Province, on Friday, February 18, CS said Tot High School officials were breaking the rules during school bus hours.
“The government regrets last night’s attack on teachers, drivers and students at Tot High School. The attack happened at 10:30 p.m. There is a government policy banning the movement of school buses beyond 6:30 pm. In Tot’s case, the school authorities were clearly violating the policy, “Matiang’i said.
“The fact that the scene is prone to criminal activity should have made the school authorities more cautious,” he added.
The minister then ordered the arrest of the Tot High School principal immediately for a 6:30 pm violation, and allegations of negligence.
“It is possible that more people were arrested after a thorough investigation into the matter,” he said.
The minister also warned other principals of violating the school bus policy at 6.30pm, saying that in the event of a breach of the law, principals and principals would be arrested and prosecuted.
Education Minister George Magoha, who was present at the Kenya School of Government, has asked school principals to direct school buses to nearby police stations in the event of 6.30pm finding students on the way.
“The safety of our children is a priority for the government,” he said.
Home Affairs official Matiang’i said next week he would recommend to the National Security Council that the Pokot Warriors be declared an illegal party.
“The recommended separation will allow for stronger interventions against the party. The [Tot] incident is a clear case of violence which is considered to be cattle rustling and culture, ”he said.
The minister went on to say that the government is considering putting parts of the North Rift under the clock law.
“The department has taken adequate steps to protect KCPE and KCSE which are scheduled to start next month,” he said.
This is just playing to the gallery. He has nothing to offer as far as banditry is concerned in that region.
These bandits have in the past ambushed even military personnel in broad daylight. What informed him that by arresting the teacher will bring an end to banditry?
What action has he taken against the bandits?
Bure kabisa. Useless.