The aftermath of a heavy storm that disrupted a ceremony at Ugenya Teachers college where Education Principal Secretary Dr Belio Kipsang was presiding over the handing over ceremony of the college to the government. Few people were injured in the incident. PHOTO BY COLLINS ODUOR
 

Siaya, Kenya: Six school children were injured after a whirlwind disrupted a ceremony at a teachers' training college presided over by Education Principal Secretary Bellio Kipsang in Ugenya.

The injured pupils from Nyaharwa Primary School were rushed to Matibabu health clinic for treatment after which four were discharged while two were admitted for further treatment.

Modester Achieng, a Standard Seven pupil who sustained injuries in the arm, said at first she thought it was an aeroplane and continued entertaining the guests.

"I did not think the wind was anything serious but when I saw people running, I did too. The post holding the tent crumbled injuring my arm," Achieng said.

Lavender Apondi, another Standard Seven pupil, said she thought another prominent person had arrived with a chopper and remained seated.

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"The tent hit me so hard in the head I still have a slight headache but I am glad the doctor has prescribed some drugs," said Apondi.

The residents of Nyaharwa village attributed the strong wind to a bad omen cast to spoil the mood on the important ceremony.

THIRD TIME

Margret Aleso, a resident, said they have witnessed two such incidents of bad omen in the compound before and this was the third one.

However, calm was restored and the function continued with the college Principal Johannes Osako attributing the incident to "nature taking its course".

"Do not be afraid of anything, nature is just taking its course and that is really normal," said Mr Osako.

The County Commissioner Caroline Onchoka urged the residents to always stay calm when such calamities strike instead of fleeing in panic.

GOOD WILL

"This incident clearly showed how ill prepared the residents are. Running all over causes accidents. Had we stayed calm then we would not have reported any causalities," said Onchoka.

Ugenya MP David Ochieng quipped that the strong wind was a sign of good will trying to hold the Principal Secretary to say a little longer.

"The secretary was in a hurry to leave by 1pm, but because of the winds now he has to stay with us for a while," he said.