Is it in order for teachers to join elective politics?

YES

Teachers who would want to venture in politics by vying for electoral positions should be allowed to do so. This should not be a matter of debate since they are opinion shapers in the society. Politics is never taught in class and should be left open for anyone who has got the conviction to serve the people. The tragedy in today’s politics is that people get into it to enrich themselves. If lawyers, doctors and even religious leaders vie for the numerous electoral positions and when they fail still go back and practice in their professions, then why should teachers be the exception?

In fact, teachers should be allowed to take leave of up to two months to campaign, after which – depending on whether they succeed or not – they may go back to class and teach. And because they have always interacted with learners from across the cultural divide and have shaped the lives of many professionals, they will be in a position to propagate peace and unity that has been elusive. The posts should not be a preserve of the few who are rich or trying to be rich, but rather of Kenyans who meet the constitutional requirements. To bar them from vying is discriminative and denies them the privilege enjoyed by other professionals. Their employer should craft a way of enabling them to participate in the democratic process without interfering with learning.

- Mr Collins Andal is a teacher

Section 22 of the Elections Act, 2011 provides requirements for election of any individual or professional. Teachers like any other legally recognised citizens have a legal right to be involved in the electoral process, and even vie for any elective position should they qualify for the same. However, teachers are regarded as leaders in their own right especially in the eyes of their students. They are their students’ role models and mentors and they shape their mindset in very fundamental ways. As such, their conduct must be seen to be of integrity and high moral value in the eyes of their students and that of society as a whole.

Parents must be able to trust the people who teach their children and who their children look up to. Unfortunate as it is, the electoral system and processes, as well as the political culture in Kenya is that of winner takes all, thus it is like a do-or-die process. The electoral process has become divisive in terms of pitting each candidate and/or party against the other like adversaries, instead of focusing on the greater picture of searching for real leaders. It is in this premise that, until the political culture in our country changes to be inclusive, teachers should not vie for elective positions. They have a higher moral obligation to safeguard the future of our country.

- Ms Nancy Ouko is a lawyer