Teachers under the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) on Tuesday staged protests in Kitui County, demanding speedy investigations into the suspected femicide of their colleague, Hellen Ngindu Matuvi.
Led by Kitui KUPPET Gender Secretary Dalphine Mueni, the teachers marched to the slain teacher’s home before visiting Nguni Drift in Mutito North, where police believe she was killed.
Police are holding Ms Matuvi’s husband, Mutua Munyasia, 33, whom detectives suspect fatally struck the Itiko Secondary School teacher with a hammer before attempting to stage the killing as a road accident by pushing the couple’s motorcycle into the drift.
Addressing the demonstrators, Ms Mueni condemned the killing and urged detectives to expedite investigations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
She said the union was alarmed that two teachers in Kitui had recently died in separate incidents suspected to be linked to femicide, calling for urgent action to curb gender-based violence.
Ms Mueni also urged teachers experiencing marital challenges to seek counselling and professional support before disputes escalate into violence.
“We cannot continue losing our colleagues to violence. Those facing domestic or marital challenges should seek help early, while perpetrators must face the full force of the law,” she said.
The protesters called for justice for the slain teacher, saying a swift conclusion of investigations would help restore public confidence and send a strong message against femicide.
