Embu KUPPET Branch Officials Warn Politicians Against Interfering With Schools Management

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking to journalists in Embu Town, KUPPET Embu Branch Secretary General Jacob Karuraa said the transfer and deployment of teachers and principals is the sole responsibility of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and not politicians or other leaders.

Karuraa termed the incident at the school as regrettable and demeaning, arguing that it created tension among teachers and students and interfered with the normal running of the institution.

According to the union official, reports indicated that the MP allegedly led members of the public to the school compound, where the principal’s office was locked, an act KUPPET says amounted to intimidation of teachers and school administrators.

He maintained that elected leaders have no authority over the management of teachers, warning that continued political interference in schools could destabilize learning institutions across the county.

Karuraa further urged politicians in Embu and the rest of the country to respect the mandate of TSC, emphasizing that employment, transfers, promotions and disciplinary matters concerning teachers are protected by law.

On claims of ethnic discrimination, the KUPPET official stated that schools must remain neutral institutions where professionalism and competence are prioritized above tribal or political interests.

He insisted that the union would firmly resist any attempts to profile or intimidate teachers on the basis of their ethnic backgrounds, adding that educators deserve dignity, protection and respect while carrying out their duties.

Karuraa also linked the increasing cases of unrest and strikes in schools within Embu County to political interference in education matters, saying external pressure on institutions was negatively affecting stability in schools.

"We shall mobilize our members to protest outside the office of Wamuthende .He should stop intimidating teachers,"Karuraa said.

He warned that if the alleged interference by politicians continues, KUPPET would seek legal redress to safeguard teachers and clarify who is legally mandated to run schools.

The sentiments were echoed by KUPPET Embu Chairperson David Mbogo, who condemned the happenings at St. Bakhita Siakago Girls, describing the actions as unlawful and harmful to the teaching fraternity.

Mbogo accused politicians of creating fear among teachers and learners through acts of intimidation, saying no teacher should be targeted because of performance claims or ethnic considerations.

"The mandate of transfer and posting of teachers is solely with the Teachers Service Commission.We don't want politicians to interfere with teachers," he said.

He called on the Teachers Service Commission to protect teachers from harassment and ensure that educators are able to discharge their responsibilities in a peaceful and professional environment.

KUPPET officials further appealed to security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly, even as they warned that the union could consider industrial action if political leaders continue interfering with the management of schools and the welfare of teachers.

Parents and other stakeholders on Saturday 23rd May, staged protests at the institution demanding the removal of the Chief Principal over alleged poor academic performance and leadership concerns.They locked the principal's office using a chain.

Mbeere North MP Leonard Wa Muthende who was there during the closure revealed that he had written to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) a week earlier seeking the transfer of the principal, but had not received any response. He claimed the principal’s previous performance record had raised concerns among parents and leaders over her ability to match the school’s expectations.