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Angata Barikkoi residents in Narok County have urged the government to guarantee adequate security before schools reopen on Monday.
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“Our appeal is simple. Let the government restore peace first so that our children can safely return to school. Education has suffered because families have fled and teachers fear working here”
Residents of Angata Barikkoi in Narok County have urged the government to guarantee adequate security before schools reopen on Monday.
The residents warned that continued insecurity is threatening the education of hundreds of learners.
The latest appeal follows renewed violence linked to a longstanding land and boundary dispute that has displaced hundreds of families, destroyed more than 120 houses and left several people dead.
Parents say many children remain in displacement centres while teachers have become reluctant to serve in the area because of repeated attacks and uncertainty.
“Our appeal is simple. Let the government restore peace first so that our children can safely return to school. Education has suffered because families have fled and teachers fear working here,” said Martha Koskey.
She noted that insecurity has persisted despite a heavy deployment of police officers.
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“We continue to experience violence even with security officers around. The community deserves lasting peace rather than temporary interventions,” she said.
Elizabeth Kwambai accused some security officers of using excessive force against residents during operations.
“Many innocent people are nursing injuries after alleged police brutality. We want independent investigations and action against officers found to have abused their authority,” she said.
She also called for compensation for families whose homes and property were destroyed.
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“It is wrong to victimize an entire community because of the mistakes of a few individuals. Families who lost everything deserve compensation and humanitarian support,” Kwambai said.
The violence has affected villages including Lolama, Kapkures, Rotik, Sach Angwan and Keringani, with many displaced families seeking shelter in schools and other public institutions.
Residents expressed hope that government efforts to restore peace would succeed but insisted that long-term solutions to the land dispute remain the only way to end the recurring conflict.
“Our children deserve to learn in peace, and our families deserve to live without fear. We want justice, security and a permanent solution so that normal life can return,” Koskey said.
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