The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has pitched camp in Elgeyo Marakwet County to oversee the safe reopening of schools, following threats of a teachers’ boycott due to rising insecurity.
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On Monday, Lagat assured teachers and residents of heightened security, urging educators to resume duty, saying adequate personnel had been deployed to ensure their safety.
“We are here to provide assurance. Teachers should report back to class—more officers are on the ground to secure both educators and the community,” he said.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to protect all public servants and locals in the volatile Kerio Valley, including doctors and other officials.
Lagat confirmed that schools and essential facilities will be guarded by the National Police Reserve (NPR), whose officers have been trained and equipped for the task. Additional security personnel from various agencies have also been deployed to the area.
In a stern message, he issued a three-day ultimatum for the surrender of individuals behind the killing of Catholic priest Fr. Alloys Cheruiyot.
Meanwhile, Bishop Dominic Kimengich of the Eldoret Diocese called on both leaders and residents to ensure the perpetrators face justice.
Teachers’ unions, however, remain firm on their decision to boycott classes. John Cheberi of KNUT and Paul Biwott of KUPPET cited ongoing threats, especially against non-local teachers, making the region unsafe for work.
Over 20 schools are expected to be affected by the withdrawal, following a resurgence in banditry that has caused widespread fear.
At a peace meeting in Chesongoch, local leaders urged against politicizing security matters. Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich called for more aggressive government intervention to combat the violence.
In response to the recent killing of Fr. Bett, a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. has been imposed across the Kerio Valley. Authorities say the move is intended to restore peace and aid ongoing security operations.
