The government has issued orders directing schools in Kerio Valley region to continue with normal operations as teachers unions push for withdrawing teachers from the region over security concerns.

In a statement on Sunday May 25, 2025, the Ministry of Education noted that security had been intensified in the region and there was no need for alarm.

This comes a few days after the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) called for the withdrawal of teachers from the area following the killing of Catholic priest Fr. Aloice Cheruiyot Bett by unknown people.

At the same time, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat toured the area and assured residents and public servants including teachers and healthcare workers that their safety is guaranteed.

Lagat emphasized that the government has put measures in place to ensure safety of learners in the Kerio Valley region, including deployment of National Police Reservists to schools.

He also issued a three-day ultimatum to residents to reveal those responsible for the priest’s killing to the authorities.

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

In addition, he noted that the government will not allow bandits to terrorise residents and confirmed that a security operation was ongoing to restore order in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, KNUT Secretary for the Marakwet Branch John Cheberi and KUPPET Secretary for Elgeyo Marakwet County Paul Biwott maintained that teachers will not report to schools due to insecurity.

According to the teachers unions, criminals in the region were now targeting non-locals for elimination.

The Catholic Church has called on leaders and residents to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended so that justice can be served.