- KNUT Marakwet Branch has condemned the arrest of Koitilial Comprehensive School head teacher Peter Kipkeu Suter, describing it as humiliating and unprofessional.
- The union has petitioned TSC and the DCI to investigate the circumstances of the arrest and ensure teachers’ constitutional rights are respected.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Marakwet Branch, has condemned what it terms an unprofessional, humiliating and intimidating arrest of the Head of Institution of Koitilial Comprehensive School.
In a formal complaint letter dated September 16, 2026, and addressed to the County Director, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Elgeyo Marakwet, KNUT Executive Secretary Ms Salome Kiplagat said the union has registered deep concern over the manner in which Peter Kipkeu Suter was arrested.
Kipkeu was arrested earlier following a recommendation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, in connection with the fatal shooting of teacher and civil servant Amos Kibet.
According to the complaint, KNUT notes that Suter, the Head of Institution of Koitilial Comprehensive School in Arror Zone, Kerio Valley Sub-County, was stripped half naked, arrested and allegedly subjected to harassment and intimidation in the HOI’s office and within the school premises before learners and teachers on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 12:50 p.m.
KNUT says armed police officers in two Land Cruisers entered Koitilial Comprehensive School during school hours and proceeded to arrest the head teacher within the school compound. “The incident has caused considerable distress and concern among teachers and learners and has raised serious questions regarding the manner in which the arrest was conducted, which was unfair, humiliating and has also affected the dignity and ability of the teacher to perform his duties as a teacher and as Head of Institution,” the letter reads in part.
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The union says the complaint is anchored on rights and legal provisions including Article 28 of the Constitution of Kenya on human dignity, Article 29 on freedom and security of the person, Article 49 on the rights of an arrested person, the TSC Code of Conduct and Ethics for teachers on the rule of law and fundamental rights, and the TSC Code of Regulations for Teachers on fair disciplinary process.
In view of the incident, Kiplagat has asked the Teachers Service Commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest and harassment within the school premises, protect the teacher and Marakwet teachers from further harassment, intimidation, humiliation and victimisation, ensure that any allegations against a teacher are handled through proper disciplinary procedures, including informing the County Director TSC, Sub-County Director TSC and KNUT Executive Secretary, and ensure that the school working environment remains safe, professional and conducive to the performance of teaching duties.
“Our teachers deserve protection, dignity and respect,” Ms Kiplagat stated.
KNUT emphasised that the complaint is not intended to obstruct any lawful investigation, noting that the Marakwet Branch leadership is willing to cooperate with the Commission and other lawful authorities, provided that every teacher’s constitutional and employment rights are respected. “As KNUT, we shall not remain silent whenever the rights and welfare of our members are threatened,” the union warned, while requesting that the matter be treated with urgency.
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The letter was copied to the TSC County Director Elgeyo Marakwet, TSC Sub-County Directors for Marakwet East, West and Kerio Valley, County and Sub-County Directors of Education, the KNUT Secretary General, DCIOs and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
By Philemon Kiprop
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