Teachers’ unions in Bomet have demanded immediate compensation for the family of a student killed by a crocodile at Chepkulo River in Chepalungu Sub-County.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Branch Executive Secretary, Paul Kimetto, said that the burial ceremony had been put on hold until the compensation is paid in full.
Speaking at the home of the deceased in Nogirwet, he lamented that learners and locals, in general, are still living in fear, as the killer crocodile is still at large.
“As we speak, the whereabouts of the crocodile that killed the boy are still unknown. The lives of our children and our entire community are in danger. We all fear going to the river because we don’t want to meet the same fate as our son. We ask KWS to come and remove all crocodiles from Chepkulo,” he said.
Kimetto further called on the county government to supply water to communities living around the river to reduce their over-reliance on it, adding that safety should be prioritized.
“Barchok, ensure that all residents in this area are supplied with piped water so that they don’t have to go to the river again. If these children continue to go to the river, it will only be a matter of time. Piped water will allow them to shower and wash their clothes at home,” said Kimetto.
His Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) counterpart, Desmond Langat, rejected promises to provide compensation after the burial, arguing that the government is known for not fulfilling its promises.
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“We have lost Kevin and we want full compensation. We don’t want to be told to wait until after the burial. The compensation should be provided now, and if the money is not available, then we have a problem,” he said.
Langat also maintained that any amount less than KSh 10 million in compensation was unacceptable, adding that all marauding animals should be contained immediately.
“We are aware that the compensation from KWS should be nearly KSh 10 million. Don’t tell us not to follow up on the money. We have followed up on various funds, and even retired teachers are still waiting for their retirement packages to be settled, without success. The money must be provided before the burial.”
“What about the hyenas that roam around from 7 p.m.? We also have elephants and crocodiles on the loose. How can we survive in this area?” Langat posed.
Locals decried the frequent invasion of wildlife straying from the nearby reserve, urging the government to find a lasting solution.
By Kimutai Lang’at.
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