The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) West Pokot has called for an end to the security forces’ harassment of teachers in the region.
In a letter to the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen, KUPPET West Pokot Assistant Executive Secretary Mathew Merimuk has asked the CS to ensure that due process is consistently followed in any legal matters involving educators.
According to the union, on March 7, 2025, three teachers from Cheptulel, Chesegon, were reportedly taken from their homes by individuals believed to be members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and later released, hence calling for urgent redress on the matter.
“Although these teachers have since been released, the manner in which they were apprehended has instilled fear, trauma, and insecurity among educators in our region. This incident follows a similar occurrence last month at Ortum High School, where teachers were arbitrarily arrested by the DCI even though they had no involvement in the reported school fire,” said Merimuk in the letter.
The union now urgently demands clarification from the Ministry on the role of the KDF in the arrests and their legal mandate in handling civilian matters, an official investigation into the recent arrests and a firm assurance that such incidents will not recur.
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“As KUPPET, we strongly condemn these acts of intimidation and violations of teachers’ rights. The unlawful arrests of educators not only disrupt their personal lives but also undermine the educational process in the county. Furthermore, the involvement of the KDF in such matters is highly irregular, given that law enforcement duties rest solely with the police,” he added.
The unionist noted that the teaching fraternity in West Pokot is committed to providing quality education under challenging circumstances. However, ongoing insecurity and unwarranted arrests significantly demoralize teachers and exacerbate the existing educational crisis in the county.
“We urge the Ministry to take swift and decisive action to address these concerns and restore confidence in the safety and security of teachers in West Pokot County,” said Merimuk.
By Roy Hezron
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