Kiambu County KUPPET Executive Secretary Moses Thogo has found himself at the centre of controversy after being accused of advancing a misleading narrative linking President William Ruto to the contentious SWA loan deductions imposed on teachers.
Thogo was recently quoted as claiming that the President had signed an executive order instructing the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to deduct Sh1,500 monthly from teachers’ salaries for a period of three months.
He further alleged that the appointment of Acting TSC CEO Evaleen Mitei was influenced by the President “so that she can be used” to implement the deductions.
The official also disclosed that during a meeting with TSC representatives, which he attended alongside a National Executive Council (NEC) member, they were allegedly told that union officials should withdraw a pending court case for the deducted money to be refunded to teachers.
However, a section of teachers has strongly dismissed Thogo’s remarks, insisting that the claims are misleading and unfairly drag the President into union affairs.
“We feel misrepresented. These deductions are being forced on us without proper consultation, and dragging the President’s name into it is unnecessary and harmful,” said one teacher.
Another added: “Junior officials like Thogo should respect the President and avoid being used as tools to enforce unpopular policies. Union leaders must take responsibility instead of misrepresenting directives.”
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When reached for comment, Thogo distanced himself from the allegations, maintaining that his remarks had been quoted out of context.
He stated that he was merely reacting to the deductions based on a court order. He claimed that his opponents are circulating video clips of his statements as a political weapon to create conflict between him, TSC, KUPPET’s national office, and the Office of the President.
Thogo stressed that the issue had long been resolved and urged teachers not to be swayed by propaganda, adding that KUPPET had already appealed for the stoppage of the deductions.
The saga unfolds amid growing disquiet within the union, with several KUPPET Executive Secretaries writing to the headquarters to demand answers over the deductions, which they term unlawful and unauthorised.
They insist that any levies imposed on members must be subject to consultation and consent.
Observers argue that the dispute should be addressed through legal mechanisms and structured negotiations between TSC, KUPPET, and teachers, rather than politicising the matter.
Analysts further caution that using officials to push unpopular policies risks eroding trust within the union and fueling prolonged unrest among educators.
By our reporter
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