A school night watchman was murdered in cold blood at Kathantatu Day secondary school in South Imenti constituency in Meru county when armed thugs raided the institution on Monday night.
His colleague is fighting for his life at Consolata mission hospital, Nkubu where he was admitted following the strange accident.
The thugs managed to escape with cash and laptops after they broke into and stole from four offices in the school.
Police officers have already launched investigations over the incident. Gakuri senior assistant chief Joseph Muthuri said the second watchman was left critically injured during the attack.
Witnesses reported hearing commotion around the premises, which soon escalated into a violent confrontation.
Muthuri said the watchmen, tasked with ensuring the safety of the school and its property, evidently engaged the intruders in a bid to thwart the theft owing to the blood scattered around the compound.
“Upon arrival, police discovered a scene indicative of a violent struggle. Bloodstains were visible in the compound, suggesting that the night watchmen fought bravely against their attackers. The injured watchman is recuperating in hospital where he remains under close observation,” said Muthuri.
He said police have launched an extensive investigation into the incident in a bid to gather evidence and identify the suspects involved.
Muthuri emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to report any suspicious activities that may aid in apprehending those responsible for the heinous crime.
Police officers are interviewing witnesses and examining surveillance footage from the vicinity, hoping to capture any identifiable details regarding the intruders.
The murder of the night watchman has sent shockwaves through the Kathanthatu day secondary school community and the wider Meru County.
Students, parents, and staff are grappling with the implications of such violence occurring within their educational institution.
The sense of security that once enveloped the school has been shattered, leaving many feeling vulnerable and anxious.
“This is unacceptable. Schools should be safe havens for our children, not places where violence occurs,” lamented one parent.
The community is now demanding stronger security measures not only at schools but also in neighborhoods to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
In response to the community’s fears, Muthuri assured the public that authorities are working diligently to restore peace and security.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our schools and communities. This incident will not go unpunished,” he vowed.
Police have appealed for any information from the public that may lead to the identification of the suspects.
The school administration is working closely with law enforcement to implement enhanced security measures, including increasing the number of patrols around the school premises.
