Church leaders in the South Rift have urged the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to call off its strike as the government has met their demands.
Bishop Vincent Ruto of Power of Faith Ministries said the government had already come halfway into the bargain and it was meaningless for the strike to continue.
“The government has already met most of the teachers’ demands. By proceeding with the strike, these teachers have shown us that they are egocentric and don’t care about children,” noted Ruto.
Addressing the press in Molo, Nakuru County, he told teachers to prioritize learners’ needs and get contented with the recent salary increase.
Ruto also stated that there are dire consequences of the strike, pointing out that candidates must be given ample time to prepare of their KCSE examinations.
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United Pentecostal Evangelical Ministries Deputy Bishop Reverend Richard Kirui echoed the sentiments, urging teachers to exercise patience and give the government time to address their demands.
“Yes, teachers have all right to demand salary increase. But at the same time, they should consider the students. We ask teachers to call off the strike and exercise patience as they engage the government in talks,” said Kirui.
The Kenya National Parents Association, Elgeyo Marakwet Branch Chairperson Joseph Cheromei, on his part urged KUPPET to abandon the hard stance, noting that students would be the greatest losers of the strike.
“This term is very short and having a strike would greatly disrupt learning and KCSE preparations. As parents we ask teachers to abandon their hard stance and go back to school,” suggested Cheromei.
KUPPET announced its strike which kicked off today, while KNUT called off its planned strike as it continues to engage the government on its demands.
By Kimutai Lang’at
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