Depression claims as student drives 6-inch nail into principal’s head

Police in Kericho County have mounted a manhunt for a
secondary school student who attacked and injured Ainamoi Secondary School
Principal over school fees dispute.

The Form Three student attacked Geoffrey Rono with a wooden plank that had a piece of nail on it injuring him seriously on the head.

While confirming the incident, Kericho County police commander Silas Gichunge said the plank had a six-inch nail on it, and that part of the nail got into the principal’s head.

“It is true the student attacked the school principal with a wooden plank that had a six-inch nail that inflicted injuries on the head. We are looking for the culprit who has since disappeared to an unknown place,” Gichunge said.

He further confirmed that the school principal was treated and later discharged after doctors established that his life was not in danger.

Gichunge however said investigations have been launched into
the matter with a view of getting more details.

The student was said to have attacked the principal after he
had been asked to clear the school fees arrears of ksh7000, a thing that
appeared to have angered him.

It was said that he attacked the principal inside his office at around 6 pm on Wednesday when he returned to the school after he had been sent home for the fees arrears.

The student had been sent home together with other students for fees but he returned to the school armed with the wooded plank that had the nail on it.

Rono was given first aid by some members of the staff before being rushed to the Kericho County Referral Hospital for treatment.

Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers ( Kuppet) Kericho branch Secretary Mary Rotich condemned the incident and called for the immediate arrest of the student.

Former Kipkelion MP Magerer Langat also condemned the
incident and called on parents to be talking to their children who appeared to
be stressful so as to avoid such things.

Magerer termed the attack as an unfortunate and heinous act.

He called on the police and the school management to
investigate the attack with a view to establishing what really led to the
incident.

“It is really sad to have students attacking teachers. So, something needs to be done by the government and the families with a view to putting to an end such incidents,” Magerer said.

The principal is now recuperating at home.