KUPPET teachers in Kitui East marched to Mutitu Police Station demanding arrests over the killings of colleagues Hellen and Kasingili, disrupting learning as the union pushes for justice and better teacher security.
Learning was disrupted in parts of Kitui East on Tuesday after secondary school teachers under the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) staged demonstrations to protest the killings of two of their colleagues, identified as Hellen and Kasingili.
Teachers March to Mutitu Police Station
The teachers marched through Mutitu town before presenting a petition at Mutitu Police Station, demanding the immediate arrest of suspects linked to the two deaths, which have been associated with separate domestic disputes.
The demonstration was led by Kitui KUPPET Branch Secretary Philip Maanzo, who condemned the killings and called on security agencies to expedite investigations. He said the attacks had left many educators fearing for their safety, both in school and at home.
Union Demands Justice
"We will not rest until those involved in these murders are arrested and the families get justice," one of the protesting teachers said.
Another teacher said many educators no longer feel safe travelling between school and home, adding that one of the victims was reportedly struck on the head with a hammer before being killed.
Maanzo said teachers should not have to worry about their security outside the classroom and urged authorities to ensure that all those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
Police Assure Teachers of Ongoing Investigations
Police officers at Mutitu Police Station assured the teachers that investigations into the two deaths were ongoing. KUPPET officials also appealed to families and communities to embrace peaceful conflict resolution as a way of addressing disputes, rather than violence.
As investigations continue, KUPPET has maintained that it will keep pushing for justice while calling for stronger measures to protect teachers and curb the rising cases of gender-based violence across the country.