TSC Using ‘Dirty Tricks’ to Prolong Teachers’ Strike, Says KUPPET
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has accused the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of employing underhanded tactics to prolong the ongoing teachers’ strike. According to KUPPET, these actions appear to be designed to punish the union and disrupt efforts to resolve the ongoing standoff.
In a press statement dated August 29, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori expressed deep concern over the TSC’s approach to the situation. He highlighted that the Commission had initially reached out to the union with a proposal for a meeting to address the stalemate.
However, Misori reported that the TSC met their response with deceit, sharing their letter requesting the meeting on social media even before they received an official reply.
Misori explained that KUPPET had written to the Commission in good faith, seeking a meeting as advised. However, social media leaked the letter before they received any response. The Commission responded shortly after, seemingly aiming to strengthen the union’s position and extend the strike.
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Before KUPPET received the letter, it circulated on social media, instructing the union to call off the strike before engaging with the Commission.
Despite the government’s recent efforts to address some of the teachers’ demands, including releasing funds for the Teachers Medical Scheme and committing to employ additional teachers, KUPPET noted that the TSC has chosen a confrontational approach.
The union expressed disappointment over the TSC’s refusal to participate in a return-to-work formula that the Cabinet Secretary for Labour, Dr. Alfred Mutua, and other top government officials had proposed. KUPPET believes that the TSC’s decision to pursue litigation aims to weaken the union and prolong the strike.
Harassment of Union Leaders
Misori also disclosed that the police have harassed and intimidated KUPPET leaders. He cited incidents involving the union’s Executive Secretaries in Kakamega and Makueni, who were arrested and assaulted while performing their duties.
“As of this briefing, the Commission through its agents in the counties, are misusing the police to harass KUPPET leaders.”
Specifically, the KUPPET Executive Secretary for Kakamega, Mr. Harrison Otota, was arrested on trumped-up charges, and the Executive Secretary for Makueni, Mr. Justus Kimeu, was assaulted and had his car damaged while leading a union procession.
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Despite these challenges, KUPPET has reaffirmed its commitment to negotiating an end to the strike, but insists that it will not do so under duress. The union urged all Kenyans of goodwill, including parents and stakeholders in education, to support their cause, emphasizing that the fight is for posterity and that the struggle continues.
TSC Using ‘Dirty Tricks’ to Prolong Teachers’ Strike, Says KUPPET
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