Teachers unions Knut and Kuppet have called for dialogue between President William Ruto and Opposition chief Raila Odinga to end devastating anti-government demonstrations.
Speaking at separate events in Eldoret on Saturday, union officials said the Azimio-ed demonstrations were disrupting learning in many schools and worsening the already-battered economy.
Kuppet vice chairman Julius Korir and deputy secretary general Moses Nthurima said hardline positions by political leaders would hurt not help. They said dialogue was necessary to unite Kenyans.
“We will not be able to do anything if our leaders in government and Azimio do not engage in dialogue to end the destructive demonstrations," Korir said.
He said Kenya was greater than all the leaders and even though elections had been concluded well, leaders must now come together and plan for the growth of the country, instead of engaging in endless battles.
“Recently, we saw what happened when tear gas was thrown into a school in Nairobi. Some of our children were hurt and we cannot continue to expose our children to such dangers just because of fighting for political supremacy,” Korir said.
Korir and Nthrima urged political leaders to urgently convene a forum where they can discuss and resolve grievances so the country is saved from more bloodshed and destruction.
The KUPPET officials spoke when they handed over a bus bought by union members during an event at Chebisas National School in Eldoret.
Speaking during the KNUT Chepkoilel branch AGM, officials led by Sammy Borr said they do not support the Azimio demonstrations and urged leaders to swiftly find a way to engage in dialogue.
Borr said President Ruto was legally elected and the opposition should give him time to implement his development agenda.
“As a union, we say it's time our leaders focus on the development agenda and avoid unnecessary tensions. Azimio leaders should use better channels to address grievances, not violent demonstrations," he said.
KNUT deputy secretary general Hesbon Otieno was chief guest at the Chepkoilel AGM meeting.
Officials of both unions said they want the government and the Teachers Service Commission to urgently deal with teachers' issues. They include improving their terms and conditions of service and hiring more teachers.
Nthurima said salaries for the TSC secretariat and teachers should be quickly harmonised so teachers can earn the dues they deserve. He said teaches had so far lost more than Sh125 billion due to non-harmonised salaries.
