This archive report was first published on 12 July 2021.
Jeremy Eyapan Long'enje, a 27-year-old teacher, had just started his teaching career at Forole Primary School in Marsabit County, Kenya, on January 4, 2021.
Deployed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Mr. Long'enje had hoped to change the story of his life and his family living in the shanty streets of Loikas.
However, his life was cut short on July 8, 2021, when he was killed by unknown assailants while returning from school in the evening.
Mr. Long'enje was in a company of his colleague, Eric Muthomi, who survived the deadly attack but sustained severe injuries.
The attack happened in the wake of increased inter-community clashes that are being reported in the volatile county.
The TSC condemned the incident, saying, "We regret the death of teacher Eyapan Lang'enje who was shot dead by bandits who attacked a vehicle in which he was travelling near Marsabit town on 8/7/2021. Quick recovery to teacher Eric Muthomi who was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital."
Mr. Long'enje's family is now crying for justice for their sole breadwinner.
According to his brother, Ekario Eyapan, Mr. Long'enje had been supporting the family until his life was cut short in Marsabit.
"My brother was our family's breadwinner and he is the only educated one amongst us. He gave us hope. Now that he is gone, who will rescue us from sliding into poverty?" he posed.
A multi-agency team led by General Service Unit (GSU) officers has been deployed in parts of Marsabit town to restore order in the wake of killings.
Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai confirmed the deployment, saying they are determined to avert loss of life and destruction of property, cattle rustling and rising tension in the area.
So far, at least nine people have been reported killed in the recent clashes.
"The government expresses dismay and deep concern over protracted animosity between communities in Marsabit County. We have deployed a multi-agency team of highly specialised security officers led by the General Service Unit with firm and uncompromising instructions to restore peace and order," IG Mutyambai said in a statement.
