Wrangles mar education day in Matungu

Written by Daniel Saenyi

KAKAMEGA: The much anticipated Education Day in Matungu District was marked by much fight and war of words among distinguished guests at the event.

Butere Mumias county council chairman Michael Keya was roughed up by angry teachers after commenting that teachers do take advantage of their professionalism to molest their students. Teachers were infuriated by these remarks to the extent of bringing the function to a brief halt in attempts to beat up the Council chairman.

Mr. Keya was assisted by the police who managed to keep away the angry mob by he still was unapologetic of his accusation. After the event the executive secretary for KNUT Matungu district Mr. John Wesonga was sneaked out by the police because he was being accused by supporters of Mr. Keya for allegedly starting the riot.

Mr. Keya an ODM councilor and he had many supporters who gave the police a hard time with frequent interference of the meeting. Earlier, ODM official of Matungu were denied access to dine with the minister who also stirred conflict between members of the public and a head teacher who denied them access.

It appears that this event was the one that stimulated the rude remarks by Mr. Keya who felt that it was not good to be denied access to talk to their M.P because they are the ones who elected him and they have a right to talk to him.

The Assistant Minister for Education Hon. Ayeko Olweny was very disappointed with teacher’s behavior and condemned it saying it showed lack of discipline and respect.

“I am very disappointed in your little fiasco; it’s the first I have ever experienced in my whole life. You have been totally out of order today and I hope that won’t happen again. Its high time you stop taking criticism negatively because it’s what we learn from,” said Hon. Olweny.

He went on and addressed other issues as unemployed of teachers and the 20per cent salary increment. Hon Olweny said the government has not allocated money to the ministry of education to employ more teachers, an issue they are looking forward to address this coming financial year.

He added that the salary increment was to be implanted in three stages, which the first two have already have already been implanted. The third stage of the increment will be implemented in the next financial year.

The M.P for Muhoroni added that the government is considering employing Early Child Development (ECD) teachers as they have trained them under the curriculum and they have a responsibility to have them employed.

He further refuted the claims that teachers employed under contract terms have been sacked. He said that the ministry needs them to address the current shortage of teachers allover the country so there is no possibility of firing them unless their contract ends or found guilty of ill behavior.

He said that KNUT is the institution that is bringing down the standard of education of teachers in the country before he gave out awards to the excelled students, teachers and schools urging them to work hard to become the first ones in the country.