Mourners ask President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene in teachers’ pay row

President Uhuru Kenyatta

KENYA: The biting teachers’ strike dominated speeches at the burial of Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi’s father in Machakos County Tuesday.

Speakers urged President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was at the burial attended by thousands of mourners, to intervene and end the stalemate.

But when the Head of State rose to address the mourners at the home village of the late Gideon Kivanguli, he steered clear of the subject. “I will not talk much because I came here to pay respect and escort the late Mzee Kivanguli,” said Uhuru.

The President, however, acknowledged sentiments by CORD co-principal Moses Wetang’ula and Siaya Senator James Orengo that there is need for all leaders to work together in developing the country.

“I want to tell all Kenyans that there is only one country called Kenya. Jubilee or CORD can’t be Kenya,” said Mr Orengo.

Those present at the burial described it as a celebration of a well-lived life by Kivanguli. Leaders at the burial included senators Wetang’ula, Orengo, Johnstone Muthama (Machakos), Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet), governors Alfred Mutua (Machakos), William Kabogo (Kiambu), Evans Kidero (Nairobi) and a host of MPs from across the political divide.

Wetang’ula told the President that the teachers’ strike was a blot on his Jubilee government and the country at large.

“As leaders of the alternative government, we have a duty to point out to you matters of national importance affecting Kenyans and this does not mean we hate you,” said Wetang’ula, who also delivered a condolence message from his colleagues Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka.

He reminded Uhuru that the Opposition was ready to sit down with him in efforts geared towards seeking solutions to the problems facing the country. He asked the Government to ensure transparency in the issuance of national identity cards to the youth and voting cards as the country prepares for the 2017 General Election.

Muthama and Orengo suggested that salaries for all elected leaders be reduced so as to be able to pay the striking teachers. Murkomen said there was need for dialogue in handling the teachers’ issue.

Machakos Woman Representative Susan Musyoka told the President he was the country’s symbol of unity and urged him to unite Kenya.