A grade six pupil was shot dead near a police station in the Chesegon area, West Pokot County by suspected bandits.
Four Tirap Primary School pupils were in the company of three others who were searching for mangoes in the area before they were ambushed by the bandits.
They dashed to the thickest but unfortunately, one of them was shot dead.
The incident occurred at Chesegon near Cheptulel Bys High School about two kilometers from where the police stay at the stalled Chesegon technical institute.
West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okello said during Thursday afternoon hours, eight bandits believed to be from the Marakwet community invaded four juveniles where they fatally shot one aged 15.
“No herds of animals were stolen during the incident. Police officers have been deployed in the area to reduce tension and search for bandits,” Okello said.
He said that the body of the deceased was taken to Kapenguria County Referral Hospital Mortuary awaiting autopsy.
Tirap Primary School head teacher Eliud Egoo said the population of teachers and learners has been drastically dropping because of insecurity.
“Those from the Marakwet side are not coming because of fear. This has affected education standards,” he said.
There is an ongoing operation in the area to address banditry.
