- KUPPET has threatened industrial action over alleged intimidation of a newly deployed principal at St. Peter’s Nyakemincha Senior School by clergy and BOM members.
- Executive Secretary Ayieko Mogaka has accused Catholic education committee members of attempting to force the principal out to install a preferred candidate
- KUPPET has called on TSC and the MoE to investigate, warning of potential labour withdrawal and demonstrations
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has threatened to withdraw its members’ labour across Nyamira County over alleged harassment of Mr George Morara Makaaa, the newly deployed school principal at St. Peter’s Nyakemincha Senior School.
In a letter to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) dated September 2, KUPPET’s Nyamira branch accused a section of Catholic clergy and members of the school’s Board of Management (BOM) of allegedly intimidating and frustrating the principal since his deployment on August 21.
KUPPET Executive Secretary Ayieko Mogaka said the principal had reportedly faced persistent harassment, intimidation and interference in the discharge of his duties. According to the union, the alleged interference was not merely a disagreement over school administration but an attempt to force the principal out of the institution and create room for the appointment of a preferred candidate.
The union described the alleged conduct as persistent, unlawful and unprocedural, urging the TSC, Ministry of Education and other relevant government agencies to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
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KUPPET has called for urgent intervention to prevent the dispute from escalating into a wider confrontation that could interfere with learning in schools across the county. The union further alleged that some members of a Catholic education committee had expressed determination to continue frustrating the principal despite complaints that had already been raised. KUPPET wants the authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged interference and determine whether individuals outside the established management structures have been improperly influencing the administration of the school.
The union also called for investigations into concerns surrounding recommendations allegedly made by Catholic education committees regarding the transfer or removal of principals serving in church-sponsored schools, raising questions over claims that such recommendations could, in some instances, be influenced by nepotism, clannism or favouritism. These claims, however, remain allegations and would require independent investigation before any conclusions can be reached.
KUPPET warned that continued intimidation of the principal could trigger industrial action involving its members throughout Nyamira County, saying its members could withdraw their labour and organise peaceful processions or demonstrations across the county if the situation is not addressed. The controversy highlights the delicate relationship between the TSC, school Boards of Management and sponsors of church-sponsored institutions.
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While sponsors have historically played an important role in supporting the establishment and development of schools, the administration of public schools is governed by established legal and institutional frameworks, and any dispute involving the appointment, deployment, transfer or management of a principal requires careful handling to ensure the rights and responsibilities of the TSC, BOM, sponsor and school administration are respected.
The Nyamira dispute comes only days after KUPPET issued a similar strike warning in Samburu following the killing of a teacher, underscoring growing concerns over the safety and working conditions of teachers in some parts of the country.
By Hillary Muhalya
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