A classroom at Pandanguo primary after being destroyed by Alshabaab militants 2014. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Three schools in Witu division of Lamu county have been closed down following fears of being attacked by the Alshabaab militants.
At least 600 pupils of Pandanguo, Maleli and Kakathe primary schools have not resumed their studies after Alshabaab invaded and destroyed a school in their most recent attack.
Confirming the situation, Witu sub-county education officer James Akello said the schools were shut down immediately following the attacks on the Pandanguo police station which left four police officers dead.
He said these schools had to be shut down after the teachers and pupils refused to come to school in fear of attacks.
"My office had to immediately withdraw the more than 20 teachers who were serving in the schools over concerns for their security but they would be posted back once security is restored", he said.
Akello added that he was optimistic of reopening the schools soon after security measures that have been put in place by the government.
“Three schools have so far closed down due to fear of being attacked by Alshabaab. We had to take them off but will have them back once security is guaranteed. Maybe next week the schools might re-open, let's wait and see,”Akello said.