Nyeri Central DEO Wilfred Gaichu speaks to parents at Muruguru Primary School on January 5, 2012 after they kicked out the headteacher from his office over poor results in last year’s KCPE. Photo/JOSEPH KANYI
By NATION TEAM newsdesk@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Thursday, January 5 2012 at 22:30
Posted Thursday, January 5 2012 at 22:30
Teachers on Thursday threatened to demand that their colleagues be withdrawn from schools where theirlives were in danger because of poor examination results.
They spoke as a headteacher in Nyeri was kicked out of his office and another beaten up by parents in Kisii over poor KCPE performance.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) said it would write to Teachers Service Commission asking it to withdraw their members on safety grounds as “failure in a national exam is not the sole responsibility of a teacher.”
Knut secretary general David Okuta asked parents, school committees and the entire community to take responsibility when their schools perform poorly.
“Why should the teachers bear the brunt of the failure when everyone else is involved?” Mr Okuta asked.
Headteacher Fredrick Wambugu was forced to flee from Muruguru Primary School in Nyeri under tight security after angry parents stormed the school demanding that he vacates office.
Police helped Nyeri district education officer Wilfred Gaichu in leading the teacher to safety.
In Kisii, a teacher is nursing injuries at Gesusu sub-district hospital after he was beaten by parents who were protesting against poor results.
The parents stormed Mogonga P.A.G Primary School and roughed up Mr Henry Ogise over poor results.
A teacher, Mr Francis Sitima, who attempted to rescue the headmaster, was beaten and seriously injured.
Knut Gucha branch executive secretary Sammy Nyairo condemned the attack.
“The act of parents locking up teachers in offices is retrogressive and not a solution to education problems,” said Mr Nyairo.
In Kitui County, irate parents withdrew their children from Kathukini Primary School protesting at poor KCPE results.
The parents, whose school was ranked third poorest nationally in last year’s KCPE, demanded action against the teachers who they blamed for the dismal performance.
Katulani district education officer Gabriel Lesiamito promised to deal with teacher laxity.
Keiyo South district education officer Anthony Baraza said action would be taken against those who helped the pupils cheat after investigations were completed.
At the same time, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Kisii branch officials have accused politicians of intimidating teachers with transfers and demotions.
“We will not allow politics to interfere with the management and running of schools,” Kuppet branch executive secretary Ben Nyaundi said.
By Philemon Suter, Jackline Moraa, Bernardine Mutanu, Benjamin Muindi and Kitavi Mutua
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