by Mwibanda
Branch executives have accused the National Executive Board (NEB) of betraying teachers by calling off the strike without proper authorization.
In Summary
Branch executives argue that the national officials contravened the constitution by suspending the strike without the authority of the National Governing Council (NGC). The claims of betrayal have placed national officials, led by Secretary-General Akelo Misori, in a difficult position.
A Controversial Decision
National officials of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) are facing mounting criticism after calling off the teachers’ strike without allegedly following the established protocols. The NEB, led by Secretary-General Akelo Misori, decided to end the strike without first securing approval from the NGC, the union’s supreme decision-making body.
The NGC is responsible for making final and binding decisions on whether to initiate or suspend any industrial action. Some Kuppet officials are now seeking to remove top leaders who suspended the strike without consulting this critical organ.
Concerns and Criticisms
There are growing concerns that the agreement signed with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) did not fully address teachers’ needs. For instance, Kuppet did not secure a firm commitment from the TSC on promotions for 130,000 teachers. Instead, the TSC stated that such promotions would depend on available funds from Parliament.
Critics argue that the NEB, under Misori’s leadership, acted outside its authority by unilaterally calling off the strike. According to Article 22(b) of the Kuppet Constitution, only the NGC has the power to initiate or end industrial actions. Article 22(c) further states that no one shall call off a strike without proper authorization from the NGC.
Misori, however, has defended his decision. He argues that most of Kuppet’s demands had been met and that, as the union’s leader, he needed to act in the best interest of teachers. “As the spokesperson and secretary-general of Kuppet, I needed to demonstrate leadership. You do not expect me to switch off my phone and run away when my leadership is needed,” Misori stated.
Internal Discontent
The decision to suspend the strike has sparked outrage among branch executives. The NGC had previously resolved that the strike, which began on August 26, should continue until all of Kuppet’s demands were met by the TSC. The NGC had also instructed that if quick fixes were needed during NEB’s negotiations with the TSC, Misori should convene a virtual meeting to discuss them.
Despite these instructions, Misori and the NEB reached an agreement with the TSC and announced the strike’s suspension without consulting the NGC. This move prompted Edward Obwocha, Kuppet Secretary for Secondary School Education, to storm out of the meeting, demanding that the officials revert to the NGC before finalizing any deal.
Calls for Accountability
The controversy has led to discussions about potential disciplinary actions against the NEB. Kisii Kuppet branch secretary Joseph Mogire has accused the NEB of betraying union members. “Who gave the secretary-general the mandate to call off the strike without referring the matter to the National Governing Council? This is a total betrayal of our members who supported this cause,” Mogire said.
Vihiga branch secretary Sabala Inyeni echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the NEB for mishandling the strike and allowing the union members to be manipulated by the employer. Homa Bay Kuppet chairperson Jack Okoth also questioned the timing of the strike’s suspension, noting that it occurred just as protests were being planned in Homa Bay County.
West Pokot Kuppet Secretary Alfred Kamuto and Tana River branch secretary Omondi Oluoch joined the chorus of dissent, calling for the NEB’s removal and expressing disappointment over what they perceive as a trivialization of the strike’s significance.
Conclusion
The ongoing dispute highlights deep divisions within Kuppet and raises questions about the governance and decision-making processes within the union. As the situation unfolds, the future of the NEB and the resolution of the strike remain uncertain.
