Knut should be careful not to plunge nation in anarchy

A few days ago, I watched and listened to Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary General Wilson Sossion when he appeared on a local TV live programme alongside two other education experts.

A defiant and visibly agitated Sossion made remarks that left me wondering whether he was genuinely fighting for the rights of teachers or he was merely using them to cleverly push a political agenda.

First, he repeatedly vowed that the teachers will never return to class until the Government honours a 50-60 per cent pay rise awarded by the courts.

Secondly, he said that the implementation of that deal will not guarantee the end of incessant teachers’ strikes that has continued to be witnessed over the years. Moving forward, there is nothing that would stop the teachers from making more demands for better terms and condition of service.

Thirdly, he urged Kenyans to prepare for a revolution if the Government does not heed  teachers’ call.

Sossion’s argument was bound to raise pertinent questions. Did the union seek the intervention of the Employment and Labour Court so as to justify that the push for uprising enjoyed the backing of law? How do the union officials expect Kenyans to support them when they fail to handle the dispute in a professional manner and opt for anarchy route?

 Peaceful means

Perhaps, it is time the union should reflect on the history of this country. All along, Kenyans preferred the use of diplomacy and peaceful means in resolving the differences between them and the State. Demonstrations and picketing should come as a last resort, and should not at any time degenerate into rebellion.

Notably, Sossion spoke after the teachers assembled at Uhuru Park grounds for a rally that was addressed by union officials.

Reports indicated that, in order to secure the permits from the relevant authorities, the organisers created the impression that it would be exclusively their meeting. However, this appeared not to be the case when dozens of Opposition MPs trooped to the venue in a show of solidarity.

Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli has thrown his weight behind the teachers, arguing that all members of 21 affiliate unions support the industrial action. Earlier, he was quoted as saying that the Jubilee government cannot claim that it did not have money to pay the teachers.

In trying to justify this, he sensationally alleged that President Kenyatta was driving this country into anarchy. He also claimed that Sh30 billion of workers’ money had been transferred from the National Social Security Fund to secret accounts to finance luxurious Government expenditures.

He could not, however, substantiate his claims. I think this is where we go wrong. Everyone must be held accountable, no matter his or her status in the society.

Again, it was not in doubt that Atwoli would come out reading from the same script as Sossion.

What do they stand to gain if they push the country into anarchy?