Students Strike Back with Stones in Land Dispute Clash at Arombe Primary School.
Jacob Onyango, the Head of Institution at Arombe Primary and Comprehensive School, has urged the Ministry of Education and security agencies in Migori County to ensure the safety and security of students as the school prepares for the grade six national examination.
Onyango explained that the school has faced challenges in managing the large number of learners, currently exceeding 1,100 students.
Support from the national government was received to construct two new classrooms. However, there were difficulties in securing adequate space due to land encroachment issues. Despite negotiations with landowners to enlarge the school’s lower area, tensions remain.
The situation escalated when, during break time, students were attacked by an individual claiming ownership of the land.
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He reported, “The individual began throwing stones at the learners, causing panic among them.”
This person confronted the children with a stick and began throwing stones, causing panic among the students. In response, the children retaliated by throwing stones back at the attacker until he fled.
Aftermath and Reporting to Authorities
Following the incident, the students expressed their frustration by chanting and later vandalized temporary structures between the classrooms.
Onyango reported the matter to the police and received an OB number. He was advised to escalate the issue to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for further action due to the land dispute.
However, he has yet to visit the DCI office, as he awaits further instructions from higher authorities, including the County Security Officer and the subcounty director.
ALSO READ: MoE Transfers Principals, Promotes Deputies in Major TVET Leadership Shake-up.
Onyango highlighted the ongoing land issues affecting the school, stating that he had previously written letters to the subcounty director and the District Commissioner (DCC) seeking resolution, but has not received any feedback.
The school’s current location is insufficient to accommodate its large population, leading to overcrowding within a small compound.
Students Strike Back with Stones in Land Dispute Clash at Arombe Primary School.
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