Teacher are ready for any action, says Knut

Knut Secretary-General Wilson Sossion (centre) addresses teachers outside the DCI headquarters in Nairobi on January 2, 2015. The 1,089 teachers who have been camping at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) demanding transfer from North Eastern over insecurity have called off their protests.

The 1,089 teachers who have been camping at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) demanding transfer from North Eastern over insecurity have called off their protests.

This followed an agreement that Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) takes over talks with TSC regarding their demands.

Knut Secretary General Wilson Sossion said the teachers agreed to leave TSC headquarters after a day-long meeting with union officials.

Mr Sossion however said there was not let up in the demands by the teachers.

“Teachers will not return to North Easter or go to any other insecure areas such as Lamu, Kapedo, Mandera, Garissa and Wajir,” he said.

“We have agreed that the teachers end their picketing and allow the union to pursue the matter with TSC. The teachers will go home for Easter as we follow up on the matter,” said Mr Sossion.
“We have resolved that the demand for transfer remains. The teachers are not afraid, they are ready for interdiction, sacking or transfer.”

But in a quick rejoinder, TSC Secretary Gabriel Lengoiboni the protesting teachers had already been interdicted and that was final.

RECRUITED NEW TEACHERS

“They have not been paid February salaries because we have started the disciplinary action. We have recruited new teachers who are already working,” he said.

But Mr Sossion accused the government of being insensitive to the plight of teachers even after ‘raising genuine concerns’.

“Insecurity is real in Northern Kenya. Even Governor Ali Roba with all the security officers have fled to Nairobi because of insecurity. The governor now wants an armoured vehicle and you are telling teachers to go there,” lamented Mr Sossion.

He accused Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi and a section of politicians from the region of politicising the issue to achieve selfish ends.

“We have to agree that there is a problem of insecurity. Let us seek a solution instead of hurling insults. We have documented their testimonies and whatever they have told us is the truth,” said Mr Sossion.

“The government cannot claim the area is safe when terrorists who attacked and killed 28 teachers in Mandera November last year are still roaming the area.”

“What will stop these fellows from coming to attack the teachers again? We cannot allow mistreatment of teacher to continue.”
He dismissed the position taken by TSC that the striking teacher had deserted duty.