Police in Kisumu county are investigating an attack on Chemelil Academy after an armed gang invaded the school, assaulted staff, vandalised offices and stole cash and mobile phones.
Four people sustained injuries during the incident, police said.
The injured were taken to Nyang’oma Sub-County Hospital, where they are receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
According to police, the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, shortly after the school reopened following the half-term break.
The motive of the attack was not immediately known, police said on Friday, adding that no arrests had been made.
A team of detectives was deployed to the area to pursue the gang.
The school’s chief principal raised the alarm, prompting police officers to respond.
As officers approached the school, they spotted about 20 men armed with crude weapons.
The suspects fled into a nearby sugarcane plantation on seeing the police, evading arrest, police said.
Investigators established that the attackers broke into the principal’s office by forcing the door locks, harassed the principal and stole Sh7,000.
They also broke into the deputy principal’s office and stole Sh5,000.
The gang further stole 10 smartphones belonging to members of staff and students.
Police said they suspect the invasion was intended to disrupt school activities, as Thursday marked the official reporting day for students returning from the half-term break.
Authorities confirmed that all students present at the school have been accounted for.
Police said the situation was brought under control, and normal learning has resumed.
Investigations are ongoing as officers pursue the suspects, who remain at large. Police said the suspects could face charges, including robbery with violence, if arrested.
Some teachers recorded statements with police, narrating their experiences during the incident.
They said the attackers were armed with crude weapons and knives and threatened to harm anyone who resisted.
Police authorities said they had ordered a crackdown on criminal gangs.
The police also said investigations are sometimes affected by interference when pursuing some cases.
