Knut and Kuppet to withdraw members from Kerio Valley after killing of priest

Teachers' unions have called for the withdrawal of tutors from schools in Kerio Valley following the murder of Catholic priest Allois Bett.

Knut Marakwet branch secretary John Cheberi and his Kuppet counterpart Paul Biwott said teachers would not report to schools due to insecurity. 

Bandits and criminals operating in the region were now targeting non-locals for elimination, they said, making the environment unsafe for all government workers.

"We've decided to withdraw the teachers because of serious security concerns in the region," Cheberi said. 

"Many of our teachers are fearful and we would rather have them safe than expose them to risks that may cost lives." 

Cheberi urged parents to ensure their children's safety in the region.

He added that three non-local security officers were among those targeted and killed recently.

The removal of teachers will affect over 20 schools in the region, where a resurgence of banditry has caused widespread panic and fear among residents. 

This decision comes as a dusk-to-dawn curfew was imposed in Kerio Valley following an attack that led to the priest's death. 

Both Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers and Kenya National Union of Teachers petitioned Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, who ordered the curfew, to take decisive action to eradicate banditry. 

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

Reiterating the decision to withdraw their members, Biwott said the unions had received concerns from teachers in the region.

"As Knut and Kuppet, we condemn the killing of Father Bett, who worked very well with us in this region. We don't know why someone would target such an innocent man of God," Biwott said.

The unions have also demanded that those involved in the killing be brought to justice.

Bett was attacked while returning from Kakiptul, where he had gone to conduct mass. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The Kerio Valley subcounty deputy county commissioner confirmed the curfew, stating that the measure aims to restore calm and enhance security operations. 

"Concerning this issue of insecurity, we're doing all it takes to regain normalcy," the commissioner said.