By Philemon Kiprop
Chesongoch Primary School in Kerio Valley is mourning after a bandit attack that led to the killing of a teacher.
Simon Cheserek, the slain teacher, was attacked on his way from school along Chesongoch-Tot highway where the attackers waylaid and sprayed bullets on him.
Confirming the incident, Marakwet East Sub-County commissioner, Simon Osumba said a group of armed bandits ambushed Cheserek while he was riding his motorcycle home where he resides in Kapiyoswo village. He added that the late lost control and fell into a ditch.
“Armed bandits were hiding in a thicket at Toroko area along Chesongoch-Tot highway where they shot Cheserek who was on his motorcycle,” said Osumba.
Leaders and education stakeholders in the region have condemned the attack terming it unfortunate.
Elgeyo-Marakwet County Senator, Kipchumba Murkomen, says insecurity along the Kerio Valley has caused the residents untold suffering, blaming the security managers for being reluctant on acting to tame the menace.
Murkomen eulogized the fallen teacher as hardworking, committed and passionate teacher.
“A hardworking, committed and passionate teacher whose only weapon was a pen was felled by bullets. We have consistently urged the state to help us end this menace but security managers are consistently indifferent” he twitted.
Murkomen added that the region is needlessly losing lives terming it frustrating and painful.
Marakwet KNUT branch Secretary, John Cheberi, condemned the incident saying teachers in the area have bore the brunt of insecurity.
Education has been adversely affected with at least five schools in Baringo North closed following attacks that also left a teacher dead.
