There was high tension at Kitalakapel Technical Training Institute in West Pokot County as six armed assailants infiltrated the institution, causing fear and chaos among students.
The incident which occurred on Thursday June 27, 2024, saw masked young men storming the premises, posing as students while issuing threats.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as students and staff sought refuge in classrooms and administrative offices.
“We were picking up our examination papers when the goons joined us. They pretended to be students and demanded to see their exam papers,” recounted Victor Kisang, a student at the institute.
Amidst the confusion, students managed to detain one of the intruders inside an office before law enforcement arrived.
“We were in the middle of our practical sessions when we heard shouts and saw people running. It was terrifying,” shared Jairus Ngaile, a student.
Local law enforcement swiftly responded, and engaged the armed individuals, who were later subdued by students before police officers arrived.
The six goons, a lady and 5 men armed with knives, were later taken to Kapenguria police station for interrogation.
“We are working closely with the authorities to ensure the safety and security of everyone at the institute,” assured Kevin Wekalamoyo, one of the trainers at the institute.
“Our primary concern is the well-being of our students and staff,” he added.
Following the incident, the Kitalakapel community gathered outside the institution, anxiously awaiting updates on the unfolding situation.
Early in the morning, tension escalated as students and staff found the institute’s gates locked.
The students forcefully gained entry after breaking the gate, revealing underlying security lapses.
However, preliminary investigations showed that the assailants were hired by a disgruntled staff member aiming to disrupt activities at the college due to administrative grievances.
The incident at Kitalakapel Technical Training Institute underscores the vulnerability of educational institutions to security threats, prompting calls for heightened security measures and vigilance across similar establishments.
