“Give us Guns”: Lugari Teachers Demand Guns, Threaten Protests After Principal’s Mysterious Death

Teachers in Lugari sub-county, Kakamega County, are demanding better security. This follows the mysterious death of Munyuki Secondary School principal Simon Isiaho. His body was found in River Kipkaren days after he disappeared while going to collect KCSE exams. The incident has left teachers scared. Many say they face constant threats.

The teachers, led by the Kenya Secondary School Heads’ Association (KSSHA) and Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), want the government to let them own guns. KSSHA Kakamega branch chairperson Amkoa Michal Ochiel said many school heads face threats from politicians and others pursuing personal interests.

“The government must give us guns because our lives, as school heads, are at risk. Politicians and other education stakeholders are baying for our blood,” Ochiel said on Sunday, November 9. He added that teachers are traumatised and anxious after Isiaho’s death.

The unions have given police a deadline. Arrests must be made by Friday, November 14. If not, teachers plan to protest. “We are going to occupy all police stations and DCI offices in Lugari if there are no arrests by Friday. We won’t leave until justice is served to Simon Isiaho’s family,” Ochiel warned.

KNUT Kakamega East branch executive secretary Patrick Chungani shared the concerns. He said teachers cannot work safely under constant threats. Both unions demand urgent government action to protect educators and catch the killers.

The investigation into Isiaho’s death continues. Teachers argue their work exposes them to risks from politicians and others with personal agendas. They now push for immediate measures, including the controversial proposal to arm school heads.

Tensions are rising in the sub-county. Teachers have vowed to maintain pressure until arrests are made. The tragic death of Simon Isiaho highlights the growing concern over the safety of education professionals in the region.