KUPPET vows to pull out teachers in bandit-prone North Rift

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers( KUPPET) has raised concern over rising cases of banditry in Baringo and other North Rift counties.

KUPPET Executive Secretary Sammy Chelanga says the insecurity has instilled fear among teachers and impacted negatively on their work.

Addressing the press, he said it was unacceptable for teachers, who are unarmed and serving in remote areas, to be targeted and killed in the ongoing attacks.

“It is heartbreaking that teachers, who are only in these areas to serve, are now victims of senseless killings,” said Chelanga.

He urged the use of elders in mediation efforts, arguing that politicians often have vested interests that undermine long-term peace.

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He also pushed for the arming of teachers stationed in high-risk areas to safeguard their lives, as a way of assuring them of their safety.

Chelanga warned that if the government fails to act, KUPPET will not hesitate to call for the withdrawal of teachers from affected areas until their safety is guaranteed, saying that safety of teachers should be given priority.

“We have been saying as a union that if the government cannot guarantee teachers their security, we will call for the withdrawal of those teachers. These teachers should also be given guns the way chiefs and other government officials are given guns or they should be given 24 hour security, as these teachers are teaching everywhere. We do not want our teachers to suffer losses because of banditry,” added Chelanga.

This, as the region records resurfacing cases of banditry, with the government coming under fire for doing little to end the problem.

By Kimutai Langat