Western Kenya is in a precarious and unstable state as teachers threaten to withdraw from supervising the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, following the brutal killing of Munyuki PAG Secondary School principal Simon Isiaho whose body was discovered in River Kipkaren, showing deep injuries and signs of torture, sparking widespread outrage among educators and local communities.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), along with regional teacher leaders, allege that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has delayed a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death. “We cannot stand by while one of our own is brutally murdered, and the authorities drag their feet,” said a KNUT representative during a press briefing. “Our members are deeply distressed and feel unsafe. Until we see concrete action and a commitment to justice for Principal Isiaho, we will not participate in KCSE supervision.”
The potential withdrawal threatens the integrity and timely completion of the national examinations, affecting thousands of students across the region. Educators are calling for a comprehensive investigation and swift accountability for all parties involved, warning that continued inaction could escalate unrest and disrupt the education system further.
While the DCI maintains that investigations are ongoing, no detailed public statement has been released, leaving teachers and the public frustrated and anxious. Local leaders and education stakeholders are urging authorities to act immediately to restore confidence in the system and protect teachers on duty.
The tragic death of Principal Isiaho has sparked national debate on teacher safety during critical national duties, highlighting urgent gaps in security and support for educators.
