The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has condemned Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shaki for humiliating teachers in front of parents and their pupils.
Kisii Branch Executive Secretary Joseph Abincha, speaking on behalf of the union and in solidarity with all teachers, described the recent incident in which a teacher was humiliated by the MP as an uncouth action.
“These irresponsible threats to teachers in full view of learners, parents, and some of the officials from the Ministry of Education and representatives ot the Teachers’ Service Commission are not what should be expected from a lawmaker, ” he said.
Abincha said that the deplorable and unbecoming behaviour from the MP not only debased the dignity of the teacher but also undermined the teaching profession and sent a disgraceful message to learners and the community.
“A classroom is not a political podium and we warn politicians to desist from treating teachers as if they are punching bags for public officials seeking political mileage,” he said.
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The irate secretary said that the MP irrational act to the teacher was tantamount to intimidation and psychological abuse in addition to setting undesirable example to the students to whom the teachers work tirelessly to mentor into responsible citizens.
Abicha said that his Union demands an an unconditional apology from the MP to the aggrieved teacher, learners, parents, the TSC and the wider teaching fraternity.
Saying that teachers are the backbone of education in the world who deserve respect, he sought a firm commitment from the Ministry of education and the parliamentary leadership to ensure that elected leaders respect the teachers’ professional boundaries.
He assured his Union will stand with the teacher who was unfairly targeted by the MP for apparently an hidden vendetta and requested all educators in the country to remain steadfast and united in the face of molestations and bank their loyalty to the learner but not politicians.
Speaking to Education News at his Kisii office Abincha appealed to the TSC show their to assure teachers that an heinous offense will not happen to any teacher again.
By Enock Okong’o.
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