KUPPET accuses Catholic clergy of intimidating school principal

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has threatened to down their tools over alleged intimidation of a school principal by a section of Catholic clergy and the Board of Management (BOM).

KUPPET Nyamira county branch, in a letter to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Wednesday, September 2, claimed that a section of Catholic clergy and the Board of Management (BOM) of St. Peter’s Nyakemincha Senior School are allegedly intimidating and frustrating the school’s newly deployed principal.

According to the union’s Executive Secretary Ayieko  Mogaka, the school principal had been subjected to harassment, intimidation and interference since taking over the school on August 21.

According to KUPPET, the officials allegedly want to force the principal out of the school and facilitate the installation of another individual whom they prefer.

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“On behalf of the teachers of Nyamira County and the KUPPET Nyamira leadership I wish to draw the attention of the Teachers Service Commission through the CEO, and other government agencies on the persistent, irregular, unlawful and unprocedural acts of harassment, intimidation and interference with the discharge of duty by the duly deployed principal of ST. Peters Nyakemincha by a small section of the Catholic Clergy within Kisii Diocese and BOM chairperson,” KUPPET stated.

“Of even grave concern are reports that a section of the Catholic education committee members and BOM have not only vowed to continue frustrating and intimidating the current principal,” the union said in its letter.

Following the alleged threats to the principal, the union has called on TSC, the Ministry of Education and other agencies to investigate the matter and take action against the accused individuals.

KUPPET further warned that, if the issues raised are not addressed, members in Nyamira County could withdraw their labour and hold peaceful processions across the county, or stage demonstrations, if the alleged intimidation continues.

“If the Catholic Church or BOM continue to intimidate, harass or prevent the principal from discharging his lawful responsibilities… then all the teachers who are members of KUPPET, Nyamira branch shall withdraw labour and proceed for peaceful processions across the county,” the union said.

KUPPET also called for an investigation into what it described as public perceptions that recommendations by Catholic education committees for the transfer of principals in Catholic-sponsored schools may sometimes be influenced by nepotism, clannism, favouritism and personal associations.

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