Gidraph Kimatta, the secretary-general of the 1997 group of retirees, who was the unshakable pillar of hope for more than 52,000 retired teachers fighting for Ksh43 billion in pension and salary arrears, has died.
His death last Wednesday has left the frail and rising teachers without their cost visible symbol of unity and solve as was the face of their decades-long legal battle against the government.
With his signature white hair, nearly pressed suit, and high-polished shoes, the retired teacher cut the figure of a thinful unionist, always ready to fight. In court, he was a constant presence—alert, meticulous, and quick to provide missing documents or clarify details. To colleagues and the media, he spoke with eloquence and authority.
For more than 50 years, Kimatta fought for teachers’ rights. After retiring in 1997, he devoted himself to ensuring the government honoured its obligations to retirees.
In 2008, then High Court Judge David Maraga ruled that retired teachers were entitled to full salary increments at the time of retirement, a decision later upheld by the Court of Appeal and, in 2015, by the Supreme Court.
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Yet the government dragged its feet. Though, few retirees received partial payments, most are still waiting. The courts have, over time, punished senior government officials—including a Director of Pensions, the Controller of Budget, and senior TSC officers—for contempt.
The fight has not been with-out loss. Many retirees have died waiting, including Kimatta’s long-time lawyer, Dominic Kimatta. His own death on September 10, at the age of 84, came while he was receiving treatment at a Nakuru hospital.
“He was a mentor, disciplinarian, and full of life. I will always remember his love, compassion, honesty, and integrity,” said his son, Benard.
Long-time friend David Kamau Kimami described him as a “passionate teacher who fought for the rights of teachers and quality education,” while group chairman David Mwenja called him a “capable leader, advisor and problem-solver.” He lamented that Kimatta died without receiving his rightful dues.
The case of Kimatta is just a drop in the ocean, as many retired teachers whom are of advanced age live a frustrated life after taking a break from the teaching service, due to delayed pension settlement by the employer.
By Juma Ndigo
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