The killing of Hulugho Primary School teacher Stephen Musili in Garissa County has reignited debate over the safety of non local teachers working in insecurity prone regions.
Musili was shot dead at his rented house in Hulugho in the early hours of January 26 despite years of reported threats and repeated requests for transfer.
The 35-year-old educator had survived earlier attacks linked to extremist violence and had formally raised concerns with education authorities.
Family members said he was repeatedly assured that the situation was under control and that he should continue working.
His wife reported that attempts to secure a transfer were blocked by his headteacher, and he was told to either remain at his post or leave the service altogether.
Colleagues said Musili often relied on intelligence alerts to avoid danger and frequently spent nights at police posts during periods of heightened risk.
On the night of the attack, he was caught off guard.
Witness accounts indicated that armed assailants first confronted a female teacher before forcing their way into Musili’s home, where he was shot while trying to escape.
The death has devastated his young family and relatives who described him as the sole breadwinner with plans to relocate to a safer town.
Teachers in Hulugho Sub County have since expressed fear, and many are seeking immediate redeployment.
Education unions and leaders are now urging authorities to fast-track transfers and strengthen protection measures as investigations into the killing continue.
