The government has deployed National Police Reservists (NPR) and other security agencies to protect schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure across the troubled Kerio Valley following recent insecurity that led to the closure of learning institutions.
Speaking at Chesongoch Primary School on Sunday, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat announced that security officers will be stationed in all schools and public facilities to restore normalcy and reassure residents. "We are here on a government directive to provide security to every school, hospital, contractor, and institution operating in the Kerio Valley," said Lagat. "Everyone will be protected, including those who are not natives of this region but live or work here." This intervention follows an earlier decision by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to push for the closure of 73 schools in the region comprising 54 primary and 19 secondary schools, citing threats to teachers' safety.
Lagat emphasized that the deployment will continue until long-term stability is realized while addressing the brutal killing of Catholic priest Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett, who was shot dead by criminals in the area last Thursday. "When Father Allois was felled by criminals, a red line was crossed.
We know who did this.
