20 University Lecturers Arrested in Foiled March to Parliament.
At least 20 university lecturers and staff were arrested in Nairobi following demonstrations organized by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU).
The protestors, who were demanding the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), were met with police force as officers fired tear gas to disperse them.
Peaceful Demonstration Disrupted by Police
Hundreds of lecturers and staff from various public universities gathered at the University of Nairobi’s graduation square, preparing to march to the National Assembly, Ministry of Education, and National Treasury.
The protest, which had entered its sixth day, was intended to be peaceful. However, shortly after leaving the square, police officers intervened, launching tear gas at the demonstrators.
Despite the heavy police presence and efforts to disrupt the march, the lecturers and staff continued their protest, engaging in a cat-and-mouse chase with police until they eventually reached the National Assembly.
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Once there, they successfully submitted their petitions to the Parliament’s registry. According to the union members, the remaining petitions intended for the Ministry of Education and National Treasury would be delivered on Monday.
Condemnation of Police Action
The university lecturers condemned the use of force by the police, arguing that they had informed the authorities in advance about their peaceful demonstration.
They emphasized that the march was a constitutional right, expressing frustration at the authorities’ decision to block and disperse them.
Union members highlighted the irony of police officers attacking lecturers and staff who educate their children, many of whom are students in these institutions. They urged the police to act with reason and restraint during such demonstrations.
Demands of the Protestors
The UASU and KUSU members have several demands, including:
- Automatic 4% annual salary increments
- Harmonization of retirement age to 74 years
- Comprehensive medical coverage
- Full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement
The unions also accused the Ministry of Education of spreading false information, denying claims that a consensus had been reached regarding the CBA. They vowed to continue their strike until their grievances are addressed.
The protests continue to intensify as lecturers and staff stand firm in their demands, signaling more disruptions if no resolution is reached.
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The lecturers and staff plan to return to the Ministry of Education and National Treasury to present their petitions, hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing stalemate. The strike is set to continue until their demands are met.
20 University Lecturers Arrested in Foiled March to Parliament.
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