Kepsha condemns killing of blind head teacher by bandits

Kagir Primary School Headteacher Thomas Kibet was shot dead by bandits. [Courtesy Facebook]

Headteachers have condemned the killing of their colleague Thomas Kibet by bandits in Baringo.

Kibet was the head teacher at Kagir Primary School in Baringo North.

Kenya Primary School Heads Association (Kepsha) has termed the attack "cowardly" and demanded swift action from authorities.

Kibet, 55, was ambushed by armed bandits on Saturday while riding his motorcycle with his wife and child.

He was shot in the head and died on the spot.

Kepsha chairperson Johnson Nzioka, in a statement on Monday, said that the headteacher survived a bandit attack in 1978 that saw him lose eyesight.

"His remarkable courage and perseverance served as an inspiration to all who knew him. The fact that Mr Kibet, despite his disability, continued to serve as an educator speaks volumes about his passion for shaping young minds and contributing to the betterment of society," Nzioka said.

While the motive of Kibet's killing remains unclear, it has sparked outrage and calls for justice.

Nzioka called on the government to enhance security for teachers and launch investigations into the murder.

"No educator should ever have to fear for their safety while carrying out their noble duties. We vehemently condemn this cowardly act of violence and call upon the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly," he said.

Kibet's tragic end has reignited debate about the safety of educators in conflict-prone regions.

The attack comes weeks after angry parents of St Gabriel Isongo Secondary stormed the school and ejected the principal over poor 2023 KCSE results.

The Teachers Service Commission condemned the attack on the principal and withdrew all teachers from the institution.

However, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu criticised TSC's move saying that any decision made on schools 'should put a learner first.'