By Philemon Kiprop
Teacher Unions in Elgeyo Marakwet have called for closure of all learning institutions in the bandit area of Kerio Valley in an attempt to pressurize the government to address the runaway insecurity that has paralyzed learning.
The Unions are demanding the closure of over 50 schools until security is restored following the killing of three learners of Tot Primary School by gun-wielding bandits believed to be from Tiaty, Baringo County.
The victims are one Grade four and two grade three pupils.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers, led by Secretary General John Cheberi, is demanding that schools be closed immediately, citing the safety of learners and teachers.
Cheberi said the education sector has borne the brunt of the attacks with learners and teachers losing their lives and others maimed. He called on the Union members and learners to keep off schools unless the government guarantees their security.
“Unless you are bulletproof, do not go to school. The government is playing with the lives of people in Kerio valley and it has reached a point of closing the schools to save lives. We have lost many teachers and learners and the government seems not moved by these heinous acts”, an angry Cheberi protested.
He accused the government of what he termed as unwillingness to end the menace, saying the region is the most dangerous to work in.
His Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) counterpart Paul Biwott said the teaching fraternity cannot take the killings anymore, saying the government should be held to account.
“The government has abdicated its constitutional role of protecting life and property. The blood of innocent children and adults killed in the area is in the hands of relevant authorities who failed to discharge their mandate and curb the deaths,” he said.
County Senator Kipchumba Murkomen called on the government to deploy police officers to guard all schools in the volatile area.
