Learning and transport has been affected by a new wave of attacks by bandits at Kainuk, Turkana South Sub County.
Four primary schools were affected on Wednesday by attacks at Kainuk according to area Chief, Sarah Lochodo.
Lochodo said the affected primary schools were Alnur, Philadelphia, Naregae Kamar and Agape.
Lochodo said one woman sustained gunshot wounds during the 9am attacks that lasted until 2pm. “The bandits also made away with 300 sheep,” she said.
The attack follows a similar attack on Tuesday where one national police reservist was killed and another sustained gunshot injuries and is recuperating at Cherangany nursing home in Trans Nzoia County.
Following the attacks, tension is high along the Turkana and West Pokot border. Transport sector has not been spared by the insecurity with passenger vehicles being forced to travel in convoys to avoid being attacked by the highway robbers.
Turkana county drivers association chairman Maxwell Ikamar said the bandits were now targeting drivers in order to have the vehicles stop before robbing the passengers their valuables.
“The government should ensure there are patrols after every 10 kilometres or ensure the vehicles are accompanied by police officers,” said Ikamar.
He also urged drivers to be prioritizing their safety before embarking on any journey. “Our drivers should not travel when they have been warned of an impending attack,” he said.
A driver, Mathew Kimathi who has been driving trucks along the Kitale- Lodwar road for more than 20 years said the highway robbers were more daring than in the past.
“They seem to be very bold and calculated when conducting the attacks. Most of the attacks are taking place in broad daylight as early as nine in the morning,” said Kimathi.
Another Lodwar resident, Pamela Maina said her journey to Lodwar was delayed at Kainuk where she was forced to wait for other vehicles so that they could travel in a convoy.
Parents have expressed concern over the fate of their children as the schools neared half term.
By Peter Gitonga
