Lagat on Monday reassured
local teachers of enough security as he camped in the area to ensure smooth
operations.
“We are here to ensure all is
well. Let the teachers report to classes as there are more personnel for their
safety and locals at large,” he said.
He also assured all government officers, including teachers and doctors, as well as local residents in Kerio Valley, that their safety is guaranteed.
He had on Sunday said all schools and key
facilities in the Kerio Valley will be guarded by National Police Reserve
officers.
The NPR have been trained and armed for the tasks, officials said.
Also sent to the area are personnel from multiple agencies to enhance the operations.
He also gave the residents a three-day ultimatum to surrender those responsible for the killing of the Catholic priest, the late Fr Alloys Cheruiyot, to the authorities.
On their part, the Catholic Church called on leaders and residents of the county to ensure that the bandits who committed the act are apprehended so that justice can be served.
This is according to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, Dominic Kimengich.
Teachers’ leaders have called for boycott of schools over insecurity.
Speaking in Chesongoch, East Marakwet, during a
peace meeting that brought together leaders, residents, and the police, the
bishop expressed his sorrow over the killing of the priest, who had only served
for less than six months.
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.
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.
