Kenya Union of Post Primary Education (KUPPET) Kisumu branch has condemned the recent attack by Kisumu East Member of Parliament Shakeel Shabbir on teachers (see video) at St. Peter’s Kindu Secondary School in Kisumu East before parents and students.
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KUPPET Kisumu Executive Secretary Zablon Oliech Awange in a statement has warned and demanded the MP to mandatorily respect the professional boundaries and allow the country’s teachers employer the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) to independently carry out their duties, which include among others quality assurance, staffing, transfers, and disciplinary processes as per the law.
Awange stated that the TSC and MoE functions cannot and must not be influenced by political whims, warning Shabbir to immediately desist from attacking or threatening their members; reiterating that should any further intimidation occur, they will have no option but to withdraw all teachers from Kindu School, citing insecurity and political hostility.
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“KUPPET Kisumu County wishes to condemn in the strongest terms possible the recent public embarrassment and verbal attack on teachers — specifically the academic staff of St. Peter’s Kindu Secondary School in Kisumu East — by Shabbir, MP Kisumu East,” said Awange.
“We wish to remind the Hon. Member of Parliament that employment, discipline, and transfer of teachers is the sole mandate of the Teachers Service Commission. Shabbir has no authority to threaten teachers with transfers in an attempt to make space for his over 100 political supporters,” he added.
According to Awange, teachers now fear physical attacks from goons allegedly allied to the MP noting that the situation is becoming untenable and they will hold the lawmaker personally responsible for the safety and welfare of all teachers in the constituency.
The union now demand a public apology from the MP failure to which they will stage a large demonstration and formally petition TSC to transfer teachers from Kindu due to a hostile and unsafe working environment.
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“Publicly shaming and humiliating teachers in front of learners and parents is not only irresponsible, it tarnishes teachers’ professional image, undermines their credibility and morale, jeopardizes their security, and interferes with effective curriculum delivery. Singling out Teacher Kennedy Okito during this outburst was a peak display of arrogance and political intimidation. We stand firmly with our member and demand an immediate cessation of such personalized attacks,” said Awange.
“Teachers are the backbone of education — not punching bags for political showmanship. We call on the Ministry of Education, TSC, and all education stakeholders to rise and defend the dignity and safety of teachers in Kisumu East and across the nation. Respect Teachers. Protect Teachers. Support Education,” he added.
By Hezron Roy
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