In a swift response to a deadly security breach at Umu‑Salaama Girls Secondary School in Garissa town, the regional commissioner, John Otieno, has ordered the immediate deployment of armed security officers to all secondary schools in the area. The decision follows a late-night attack during which a gang armed with crude weapons broke into the school, ambushed two night watchmen and killed one, identified as Ali Dahir Noor. The second guard, Hussein Farah, survived after being rushed to the Garissa County referral hospital and later discharged.
Otieno, flanked by his regional security team and county officials, described the incident as unfortunate and of grave concern, vowing that the government will not take chances in protecting students, staff and property.
He said the armed deployment will begin immediately at Umu‑Salaama Girls and will soon expand to other secondary schools across Garissa town and the wider region. The move underscores rising fears that criminal gangs have been increasingly targeting educational institutions — a trend underscored by a recent attack on another school, Iftin Girls Secondary School, where a watchman was also killed.
The family of the slain guard expressed deep sorrow and demanded swift justice. His brother implored security agencies to use available evidence, including CCTV footage, to arrest and prosecute those responsible.
Meanwhile, parents and local residents welcomed the decision to deploy security officers, viewing it as a necessary step to restore safety and confidence in neighborhood schools.
Looking ahead, the deployment is expected to serve as an immediate deterrent against future attacks, but many stakeholders warn that long‑term safety will require more than just guards — including better infrastructure, strengthened intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies. If implemented effectively, the measures could help safeguard learning institutions in Garissa and restore trust among students, parents, and the wider community.