KUPPET calls on parents to join Monday mass action

Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has called on parents to join teachers in a mass protest set for Monday.

Speaking on Citizen Live At One on Sunday, KUPPET Chair Omboko Milemba called on parents to support teachers by joining their push for salary increment.

He said teachers are on the right side of the law and should get a backing and understanding from parents in their demand for justice.

“Parents should help us in making noise so that teachers’ increment may be effected,” said the KUPPET chair.

Omboko called on teachers not to be cowed by government’s sack threats saying if the money will not have been disbursed by 7am on Monday, they will proceed with the nationwide protests.

“Teachers should not be cowed by 16th century threats. If the government will not have paid teachers their dues by 7am on Monday, we will converge at our offices at begin the match,” he said.

On his part, Kisumu County KUPPET chair Zablon Awange rubbished calls by Education Cabinet Secretary Professor Jacob Kaimenyi asking parents to send their children to school saying there will be no one to take care of them.

Awange rallied parents from all the 47 counties to turn up in large numbers on Monday and be part of the nationwide protest.

Teachers’ unions have planned mass action on Monday to press the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to abide by the court ruling allowing for a 50 to 60 per cent increment.

Meanwhile, Anglican Archbishop Eliud Wabukala has called on TSC to stop further court processes and embrace dialogue with teachers to end the current stalemate.

Speaking after opening Reverend Joshua Muoka Memorial Church at Kamuthanga in Machakos County, Wabukala said it was unfortunate that the issue of teachers pay is still a challenge in the country since Moi’s regime.

He called for a quick resolution to the issue so that normal operations can return in public schools.

The teachers’ strike enters the second week on Monday even as TSC threatens to take action against anyone who does not report to work.

In defiance, the teachers, through their unions (KNUT and KUPPET) have vowed to stay away from classes until their pay deficit reflects in their accounts, in accordance to Employment and Labour Relations Court ruling.