Teachers: Jubilee must pay us or forget our votes in 2017

Teachers have said they will not support Jubilee in the next elections if it fails to address a pay dispute.

The teachers from the county claimed the Government has frustrated their salary increment bid and also failed to pay them their September salaries.

Led by Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Executive Secretary Kakamega John Wesonga, they said they would marshal support across the county to reject Jubilee if their issues are not addressed.

"The Government has frustrated us for long. We are tired of these frustrations but we know their medicine. In 2017, all teachers from this county may decide to reject this government by voting it out if they will not heed to our grievances," said Mr Wesonga.

Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony in Mumias East Constituency, Wesonga also cautioned teachers against signing performance contracts, saying the Teachers Service Commission did not consult them.

Governor Wycliffe Oparanya asked the national government to address the teachers' demands to salvage the education sector from collapsing.

He said proper structures should be put in place to solve the stalemate once and for all to avoid future strikes that affect education standards in the country.

"Teachers should be motivated because they play a critical role in building this nation. I support teachers in their demands for better pay," said Oparanya.

He said the Government should ensure it handles the matter on time. "They should work on the strategies of handling the matter early enough so as not to create room for strikes," he said.

Attempts by Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali to defend the Government was met with resistance as teachers shouted him down.

"Teachers' unions should change their approach to handling their affairs. Knut is not a military force but a respectable union that ought to deal with issues in an amicable way without threats. Embrace dialogue, not threats to get solutions," said Washiali.