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Mt Elgon, Molo raids: KCPE
candidates missing
November 9, 2007
EA STANDARD
By Isaiah Lucheli and Steve Mkawale
Hundreds of school children who fled recent ethnic clashes in Molo
are yet to return. Eight primary schools were closed following the
attacks.
A survey in Kuresoi showed that only a few pupils were attending
school. Parents yesterday expressed fear that KCPE candidates
would not sit the examination that begins on Monday.
Molo District Education Officer, Mr Galma Golicha, said KCPE
candidates were trickling back to schools and expressed hope that
the situation would be back to normal by next week.
"A number has reported to their respective schools. We have asked
parents to ensure that children are back in time for the
examinations," he said.
At Githiriga Primary School, where 56 pupils have registered for
KCPE, only 36 had turned up.
Out of 50 registered at Cheptagum Primary, only 33 had reported,
while of 34 registered at Banana Primary, only 20 were present.
Golicha said security had been beefed up and more officers had
been deployed at examination centres.
Meanwhile. women and children are again fleeing Mt Elgon District
as battles between the security officers and Sabaot Land Defence
Forces (SLDF) intensify.
A village spokesman, Mr Godfrey Ndara, said: "We have lost five
people in Cheptonon in the past one week yet police continue
terrorising the local people."
He said the police had failed to arrest SLDF and had resorted to
harassing innocent people.
"They have burnt our houses and tractors to ensure that we cannot
farm," he said.
Mt Elgon deputy OCPD, Mr Elias Gitonga, denied any wrong doing on
the part of the police, while Western PC, Mr Abdul Mwasera, blamed
the arson attacks on the SLDF.
"The police have intensified patrols in the district and we are
following crucial information that will lead to the arrest of gang
members," he said.
The Rev Maritim arap Rirei of the Anglican Church also blamed the
police, saying the officers were aggravating insecurity.
"If the situation does not improve, many voters will be
disenfranchised," he added.
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