A headmaster of a primary school in Baringo County, who had survived a bullet wound as a child, was killed in a bandit attack on Saturday.
Joseph Kiptoo, 42, was the headmaster of Kapindasum Primary School in Baringo North. He was among the six people who died when armed bandits ambushed a passenger vehicle along the Chemolingot-Kapedo road.
According to his relatives, Kiptoo had been shot in the chest when he was seven years old, during a cattle raid in his village. He survived the incident and went on to pursue his education, becoming a teacher and a headmaster.
"He was a miracle child. He defied the odds and became a role model to many. He was passionate about education and peace. He always encouraged his pupils and the community to shun violence and embrace dialogue," said his cousin, John Kipkemoi.
Kiptoo's death has left his family and colleagues in shock and grief. He is survived by his wife and four children, who are now appealing for help from the government and well-wishers.
"We have lost a pillar of our family. He was the breadwinner and the mentor. He had a bright future and a lot of dreams. We are devastated and we don't know what to do," said his wife, Mary Chepkorir.
The bandit attack has also sparked fear and tension among the residents of Baringo County, who have been experiencing insecurity and clashes over resources for years. The government has deployed security forces to the area, and urged the local leaders and elders to help restore calm and order.
