Teachers pulled from Kerio Valley as insecurity escalates

More than 20 schools in Kerio Valley have been closed after teachers were pulled out by their unions in response to rising insecurity, marked by the killing of Catholic priest Fr. Allois Cheruiyot Bett.

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) say the region is no longer safe, especially for teachers from outside the area.

They claim recent killings, including that of three non-local security officers, point to a disturbing trend of targeted violence.

"We have decided to withdraw the teachers because of serious security concerns in the region," said Knut’s Marakwet branch Secretary, John Cheberi.

KUPPET’s Elgeyo Marakwet County Secretary Paul Biwott said Fr. Bett’s killing has shaken the community deeply.

"As Knut and Kuppet, we condemn in the strongest terms the killing of Father Bett, who was a friend to many and a pillar in our community. It is deeply disturbing that such an innocent man of God would be targeted," he said.

The priest was shot on Thursday while heading back from mass in Kakiptul.

His death led to the imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 6 pm to 6 am across parts of the valley, as police continue investigations.

Kerio Valley Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Amonde said security has been stepped up to prevent further attacks.

"We are doing all it takes to regain normalcy," he said.

The unions say they will not risk the safety of their members and are calling on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to deal firmly with armed criminals in the region.

"We must see tough action against these bandits who have made life unbearable for everyone in Kerio Valley," Cheberi added.

The schools remain closed with no clear timeline for reopening, as the community waits for concrete steps to restore peace.