- Hundreds of teachers in Kitui staged peaceful demonstrations after two colleagues were brutally killed.
- Protesters urged police to expedite investigations, prosecute perpetrators, and called for stronger teacher protection policies.
- The incident sparked wider discussions on teacher welfare, emphasising safety as crucial to education quality and continuity.
Grief and anger engulfed Kitui County as hundreds of teachers staged peaceful demonstrations to protest the killing of two colleagues, demanding swift justice and enhanced security for educators across Kenya.
Led by KUPPET Kitui Branch Executive Secretary Kioko Maanzo, the teachers marched through Kitui town carrying placards with messages such as “Justice for Our Colleagues,” “Protect Teachers,” and “Enough is Enough.” The sombre procession underscored the growing concern over the safety of teachers serving in different parts of the country.
Addressing the demonstrators, Maanzo said the deaths had shaken the entire teaching fraternity and left many educators living in fear. He stressed that teachers deserve secure working environments and reminded the government of its constitutional obligation to protect public servants wherever they are deployed. “The loss of two teachers is not just a tragedy for their families but a national loss. Teachers dedicate their lives to nurturing future generations, and they should never become victims of violence,” he said.
The protesters urged the National Police Service to expedite investigations, arrest those responsible, and ensure prosecutions without delay. They warned that failure to deliver justice would embolden criminals and expose more teachers to danger.
Teachers also called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to prioritise safety by working closely with security agencies before posting teachers to insecure areas. They argued that while education is a national priority, learning cannot thrive where teachers fear for their lives.
The demonstrators further appealed to the Ministry of Interior to strengthen surveillance around schools, improve police patrols, and establish rapid emergency response systems capable of protecting teachers whenever threats arise.
Beyond justice, teachers demanded psychosocial support for learners, colleagues, and bereaved families, noting that violent incidents traumatise school communities, disrupt academic programmes, and undermine emotional well‑being. Education experts have long warned that insecurity erodes teacher morale, discourages postings to hardship areas, and ultimately harms learners.
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The Kitui protests reignited a broader national debate on teacher welfare. While discussions often focus on salaries and promotions, educators now insist that personal security deserves equal attention. Protecting teachers, they argue, is not merely a welfare issue but an investment in the quality and continuity of education.
KUPPET urged the government to formulate a comprehensive teacher security policy outlining preventive measures, emergency protocols, and collaboration between schools, communities, county security committees, and law enforcement agencies. Teachers also appealed to the public to support them by reporting threats promptly, stressing that community partnerships remain vital in safeguarding schools.
As the demonstrations concluded, teachers observed moments of silence in honour of their slain colleagues and vowed to continue pressing for justice until perpetrators are brought to court. Their message was clear: the teaching profession deserves dignity, protection, and respect.
The tragic deaths of the two Kitui teachers serve as a wake‑up call for all education stakeholders. A nation that entrusts teachers with shaping future generations must equally guarantee their safety. Schools should remain centres of hope and transformation—not places where educators fear for their lives.
By Hillary Muhalya
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