KNUT, KUPPET Officials Direct Closure of All Schools in Kerio Valley Following Fatal Shooting of Catholic Priest

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.

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.

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

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