73 schools, comprising 54 primary and 19 secondary institutions in Kerio Valley, have been ordered to close immediately by officials from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and its North Rift branch due to security concerns.
While expressing concern over the recent shooting of Catholic priest Alloyce Cheruiyot Bett, the officials warned that the incident shows the security threats facing the region.
In response, the officials have urged the Ministry of Interior, under CS Kipchumba Murkomen, to withdraw all illegal firearms from the general public. They insist that schools will not reopen until decisive action is taken to restore safety.
''We are here to announce the closure of all schools in Kerio Valley until the government withdraws illegal arms from people,'' one of the officials said.
Further, the officials have instructed all non-local teachers in the area to relocate immediately for their safety. According to the teachers, criminal gangs in the region are specifically targeting outsiders, heightening concerns over the teachers’ well-being.
They cited incidents in which three police officers who were not from the region were killed, before the unfortunate shooting of the Catholic priest.
“Teachers are living in fear, especially those teaching in Kerio Valley. Therefore, we order all teachers to leave tomorrow for their safety.
We also call on the Board of Management to ensure schools are protected,” the teachers said.
“As a teachers' union, we have decided that schools will close from tomorrow, May 24, until the government removes illegal firearms. Once the illegal weapons are removed, teachers can resume their work without fear,” they continued.
The officials condemned the priest's murder, which happened on Thursday, after assailants shot him in a harrowing ambush.
Father Alloyce Cheruiyot Bett was targeted by the assailants in the Tot area of Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet, with reports indicating he was heading back to his base after a sermon.
Describing the priest as peace-loving, a man of the people and God, the leaders are now calling on the Interior Ministry to ensure the assailants are all apprehended and brought to book.
So far, the authorities have arrested six people in connection with the murder. The National Police Service assured the residents of safety and called on the communities to remain calm as investigations continue.
