The government has directed that schools in Kerio Valley continue with normal operations, stating that security has been intensified in the region.
This comes after teachers’ unions, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), had called for the withdrawal of teachers from the area following the killing of Catholic priest Fr. Aloice Cheruiyot Bett by bandits.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat toured the area and assured government officers, including teachers and healthcare workers, as well as residents that their safety is guaranteed.
He announced that, starting today, all schools and key facilities in the Kerio Valley will be guarded by National Police Reservists.
However, Lagat issued a three-day ultimatum to residents to surrender those responsible for the priest’s killing to the authorities.
He reiterated that schools will be provided with adequate security to operate as usual.
“We want to assure everyone, including our teachers and school children, that we have provided adequate security, and learning should go on,” said Lagat.
He added that armed bandits would not be allowed to terrorise residents and confirmed that a security operation was ongoing to restore order in the region.
Despite the government's assurances, KNUT Secretary for the Marakwet Branch John Cheberi and KUPPET Secretary for Elgeyo Marakwet County Paul Biwott stated that teachers will not report to schools due to insecurity.
They claimed that criminals in the region were now targeting non-locals for elimination, creating an unsafe environment for all government workers.
The withdrawal of teachers is expected to affect over 20 schools in the region, where a resurgence of banditry has caused widespread panic and fear among residents.
The Catholic Church has called on leaders and residents to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended so that justice can be served.
Bishop Dominic Kimengich of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret made the appeal during a peace meeting held in Chesongoch, East Marakwet.
The meeting was attended by local leaders, residents, and security officials, including Lagat.
The bishop expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Fr. Bett, who had served in the area for less than six months.
Leaders present at the meeting urged politicians not to politicise security matters.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich also called on the government to intensify efforts to combat criminal activity in the region.
Following the fatal attack on Fr. Bett, a dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed in the Kerio Valley region.
The priest was shot dead while returning from Kakiptul, where he had conducted a mass.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The curfew, which runs from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., was confirmed by the Deputy County Commissioner for Kerio Valley subcounty, who said the measure is intended to restore calm and support security operations.
