MPs want teachers armed over insecurity

Lawmakers from Kerio Valley want teachers to be given guns to defend themselves from bandits. [Standard]

Three lawmakers from conflict-torn Kerio Valley are calling for teachers to be given guns to defend themselves against bandits from neighbouring areas.

MPs Wilson Sossion (nominated), David Bowen (Marakwet East), William Kipsang (Marakwet West) and Jane Chebaibai (Elgeyo-Marakwet) said classes in parts of Elgeyo Marakwet have been disrupted by bandits.

The MPs said two children were killed at the weekend.

The leaders addressed a press briefing at Parliament Buildings, where they further claimed scores of residents were wounded in the raid.

They asked Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangí to deploy security officers in the area to protect students and teachers.

Bowen said they will not hesitate to ask for guns for teachers in a bid to provide security.

“We are calling on the government to beef up security in Kerio Valley. As we speak all schools have been closed. Matiang’i should take a leading role and ensure peace is restored,” said Bowen.

“If the government cannot provide security, we are calling teachers to be armed for protection."

Sossion said the insecurity in the region was “nothing but severe criminal action".

“Killing children aged five and nine years is nothing but criminal and the President must give it special attention,” he added.

Kipsang and Chebaibai told Matiangi to focus on providing security for all Kenyans.

They said the CS is spending much of his time in the rollout of the Huduma Namba registration.

“We want the CS and his team to visit the region. The core mandate of the Interior minister is to protect the lives and properties of Kenyans,” said Kipsang.