Learning was disrupted across parts of Kitui East on Wednesday after secondary school teachers under the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) walked out of classrooms and staged protests demanding justice for two colleagues who were killed in separate incidents.
The demonstrations brought normal learning to a standstill in several schools as teachers marched through Mutitu town before presenting a petition at Mutitu Police Station, urging investigators to fast-track arrests and prosecutions.
The protest reflects growing anxiety among teachers over their safety outside the workplace, with union leaders warning that educators should not become victims of unchecked violence.
Teachers Demand Swift Justice
Led by Kitui KUPPET Branch Secretary Philip Maanzo, the demonstrators condemned the killings of Hellen and Kasingili, whose deaths have reportedly been linked to separate domestic disputes.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the teachers called on security agencies to expedite investigations and ensure those responsible are brought before the courts.
Maanzo said teachers dedicate their lives to educating society and should not have to fear for their safety once they leave school.
He urged law enforcement agencies to move swiftly to reassure both educators and the wider public that justice would be served.
One protesting teacher vowed the union would continue piling pressure on authorities until all suspects had been apprehended.
"We will not rest until those involved in these murders are arrested and the families get justice," the teacher said.
Fear Spreads Among Educators
During the demonstrations, several teachers expressed concern over what they described as growing insecurity affecting educators within their communities.
One teacher claimed many colleagues now fear travelling between school and home, adding that one of the victims was allegedly attacked with a hammer before being killed.
Police officers at Mutitu Police Station assured the protesters that investigations into both deaths remain active and appealed for patience as detectives continue gathering evidence.
KUPPET leaders also called on families and communities to embrace peaceful conflict resolution in addressing domestic disagreements.
GBV Concerns Remain
The protests come amid continued concern over cases of gender-based violence across Kenya, with rights organisations warning that domestic and intimate partner violence continues claiming lives.
Recent findings by the Collaborative Centre for Gender and Development (CCGD) further indicate that gender-based violence is increasingly affecting young people, including through online platforms.
As investigations continue, KUPPET says it will maintain pressure on authorities until those responsible for the two killings are arrested and prosecuted.
The union also wants stronger measures to improve the safety of teachers outside their workplaces, arguing that educators should be able to serve their communities without living in fear of violence.
