Matiangi Orders Arrest of Tot Secondary School Principal
The Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang’i, has ordered the immediate arrest of the principal of Tot Secondary School after bandits sprayed bullets on the learning institution’s bus.
Matiang’i blamed the school administrator for violating government regulations regarding the use of school buses during a stakeholder event in Nairobi on Friday, February 18.
Matiang’i stated that the government had enacted regulations prohibiting the use of school buses after 1830 hours.
“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 urged school administrators to follow the Ministry of Education’s established regulations in order to protect schoolchildren. He also stated that the principal will face disciplinary action from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
“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 any school bus transporting students after the specified hours will be impounded by the police.
15 students were injured during the attack, which is said to have occurred at 2200hrs, and the bus driver died on the spot.
In addition, two teachers were critically injured and admitted to the Kapsowar Mission Hospital.
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In a press conference following the attack, Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Patrick Lumumba blamed the school administration for disregarding government regulations on the use of school buses, adding that the road used was prone to bandit attacks.
Recovery efforts are ongoing, and the students have been transported to various health facilities in Kerio Valley, with those with serious injuries being referred to Kapsowar Mission Hospital.
Matiangi Orders Arrest of Tot Secondary School Principal
