Kerio Valley schools to remain open amid security fears after priest's killing as state assures safety

Schools in Kerio Valley will remain open despite heightened security concerns following the killing of a Catholic priest in Elgeyo Marakwet, as the government moves to reassure residents and teachers’ unions demanding staff withdrawal of enhanced protection.

The calls from the two teachers’ unions followed the killing of Fr. Allois Cheruiyot Bett by suspected bandits, a tragedy that has heightened fear and tension in the volatile region.

Fr. Bett, who had served in the area for less than six months, was gunned down while returning from Kakiptul after conducting mass.

Speaking on Sunday, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who toured the region following the incident, reassured government workers and the public of their safety. He said additional security measures had been put in place to ensure the protection of schools and essential facilities.

“We want to assure everyone, including our teachers and school children, that we have provided adequate security, and learning should go on,” Lagat said.

Police reservists

He announced the immediate deployment of National Police Reservists (NPRs) to guard all schools and key installations in Kerio Valley, affirming the government’s commitment to preventing bandits from destabilising the region.

“Armed bandits will not be allowed to terrorise residents. We have a security operation underway to restore peace, and we urge the community to cooperate,” Lagat said.

The Deputy Police IG also issued a three-day ultimatum for locals to surrender those behind the killing of the priest to authorities.

The teachers' unions had remained resolute in their position, saying their members would not report to duty unless their safety could be guaranteed.

“We cannot continue risking the lives of our teachers. Criminals are now targeting non-locals for elimination. It’s no longer safe,” said Marakwet KNUT Secretary John Cheberi.

Safe learning environment

His sentiments were echoed by Paul Biwott, the KUPPET Secretary for Elgeyo Marakwet County, who warned that the withdrawal of teachers would impact more than 20 schools across the region. The unions maintained that the government’s efforts, while welcome, were not yet enough to guarantee safe learning environments.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Church has urged both national leaders and locals to ensure justice is served for Fr Bett. During a peace meeting in Chesongoch, East Marakwet, Bishop Dominic Kimengich of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret condemned the killing and called on residents to support ongoing investigations.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Fr. Bett. We appeal to the community to work with security agencies to ensure those behind this heinous act are brought to justice,” the bishop said.

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• National
• Elgeyo Marakwet
• Kerio Valley
• security Kerio Valley
• bandits Kerio Valley
• Catholic priest murder
• Fr Allois Cheruiyot Bett
• Kerio Valley schools to remain open amid security fears after priest's killing as state assures safety
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Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich also urged the government to intensify efforts to stamp out criminal elements and cautioned politicians against politicising security matters.

Governor Rotich announced a Sh100,000 cash reward for anyone who provides credible information leading to the arrest, dead or alive, of the individuals behind the killings in the region.

“Today, I declare as governor that anyone who brings in a criminal, dead or alive, will receive Sh100,000,” he said.

He eulogised the late Fr. Bett as “an extraordinary servant of God, a man whose dedication, zeal, and charisma left a lasting impact on those he interacted with.”

“His killing is a big blow to peaceful gains in the Kerio Valley,” Rotich said.

Meanwhile, the government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 6 pm to 6 am across the Kerio Valley region to support security operations as investigations into the murder of Fr. Bett gain momentum.