ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya — Learning has ground to a halt in more than 20 schools across the restive Kerio Valley after teachers’ unions withdrew their members, citing escalating insecurity and targeted attacks on non-local workers.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) say they were forced to act following the killing of Catholic priest Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, who was shot dead last Thursday after celebrating Mass in Kakiptul.
Union officials John Cheberi (Knut, Marakwet branch) and Paul Biwott (Kuppet, Elgeyo Marakwet) described the situation as untenable, claiming bandits are deliberately targeting non-locals, including teachers and security personnel.
“We’ve lost three non-local security officers recently. The violence is clearly selective,” said Cheberi. “We cannot in good conscience allow our teachers to remain on the frontlines of a security crisis.”
The murder of Fr. Bett—known in the community as a peacemaker and mentor—has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting a dusk-to-dawn curfew in parts of the valley.
The government-imposed restriction, in place from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., aims to curb movement and assist investigations.
Kerio Valley Deputy County Commissioner Amonde confirmed the curfew and said security operations have been stepped up.
“We are doing all it takes to restore order. Security patrols have been intensified,” he said.
However, union leaders argue that previous crackdowns have yielded little, accusing authorities of failing to decisively dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.
“We are calling on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to take swift, visible action,” said Biwott. “This is no longer just a law enforcement issue—it’s a national shame.”
The withdrawal of teachers has deepened the education crisis in a region already battered by perennial insecurity, drought, and underdevelopment.
With classrooms closed and students sent home indefinitely, parents now fear their children’s futures hang in the balance.
Fr. Bett’s killing has also reignited calls for a long-term peace and disarmament strategy to break the cycle of violence in Kerio Valley.
“We’re mourning not just a priest but a voice of unity,” said Cheberi. “We want peace, not more graves.”
