BY SHABAN OMAR
Kwale Kuppet teachers have issued a stern warning to school administrators and educators who are covertly attending classes despite the ongoing nationwide strike.
The teachers argue that such actions are demoralising and represent hypocrisy and betrayal.
Kwale Kuppet Treasurer Umi Maloba stated that it is unjust for teachers to be on the streets advocating for better conditions while others continue teaching, undermining the purpose of the strike.
Maloba condemned the behaviour as unacceptable and threatened to take action by storming schools to forcibly prevent teachers from continuing teaching.
“Principals and Deputy principals be warned. The habit of forcing teachers to report to work while the rest of us are in streets should stop or else we will visit you,” he said.
Maloba said that the government must first adhere to the law and court orders, and teachers will follow suit. She criticized the declaration of their strike as illegal, arguing that the court order issued was unconstitutional.
Maloba highlighted that the TSC has requested JSS intern teachers to renew a contract previously deemed illegal.
“While we are advocating for the confirmation of JSS interns, we are receiving letters asking teachers to reapply for contracts that were recently ruled unconstitutional,” she said.
She emphasised that teachers will persist in their fight for better conditions and that schools will remain closed until their concerns are addressed.
Kwale Senior KUPPET Member Mkasa Amboko expressed frustration with politicians interfering in teachers’ employment matters.
He pointed out that MPs have been observed making promises to provide employment letters to teachers at funerals.
Amboko argued that such actions undermine the Teachers Service Commission, which is intended to operate as an independent body.
Leonard Oronje, the Executive Secretary of KUPPET in Kwale County, Kwale KUPPET threatened to sue the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) due to its failure to promptly remit funds for medical expenses, SACCO contributions, and bank loans.
He reported that although the TSC has been deducting funds for NHIF and other contributions, it has not been disbursing these funds to the relevant entities.
Oronje noted that this issue has had a severe impact on teachers’ lives, causing them to miss essential health services due to inadequate medical coverage.
“TSC has been making third-party deductions, but interestingly, they are not depositing these funds where they are meant to go,” he said.
He explained that delays in fund disbursement have undermined the teachers’ medical scheme, resulting in many teachers being listed with the CRB for failing to repay bank loans on time.
Teachers often miss out on necessary treatment because the funds are not appropriately deposited.
Oronje also stated that teachers will not return to work until their demands are met.
He emphasised that they will not comply with any court orders and are committed to continuing their fight.
