Police in Kericho County have launched a manhunt for a Form-three student from Ainamoi Secondary school who allegedly assaulted and injured the school principal.
Confirming the incident, Kericho County Police Commander Silas Mathiu said the incident occurred when the assailant confronted and inflicted injuries on the school’s Principal Mr Geoffrey Rono on the head and shoulder with a plank of wood.
According to Mr. Mathiu the teenage assailant fled immediately after the gruesome act leaving the principal seriously injured. However the principal Mr Rono, who was bleeding profusely managed to rush himself to a private hospital in Kericho for medical treatment.
“The school principal received medical treatment and was later discharged. We are still looking for the assailant whose whereabouts are still unknown” said Mr Mathiu.
At the same time, the County Commander stated categorically that once the assailant is apprehended he will be arraigned in court and charged with assault causing grievous harm.
It is reported that the confrontation ensued after the school principal sent the culprit home to collect school fees balance only for the student to return in the evening and viciously attack the head teacher.
“I call upon students to obey and follow school rules and to resolve problems amicably. No student is allowed to assault a teacher and such vices will be dealt with in accordance with the law” Mr Mathiu stressed.
Meanwhile the Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (KUPPET) Kericho branch Secretary Mrs. Mary Rotich condemned the assault act and demanded stern action taken against the culprit.
“There is need for the government to protect principals and teachers in learning institutions to avert such cases,” Mrs. Rotich said.
By Dominic Cheres and Kibe Mburu
