On Tuesday, secondary school teachers gathered near the Kakamega TSC offices, agitating for the release of four KUPPET officials who had been arrested earlier.
These four teachers, allied with KUPPET, were initially detained but have now been released following sustained pressure from their colleagues and legal intervention by their lawyer, Ken Echesa.
The lawyer managed to secure their release late in the evening, although the specific conditions under which they were released remain unclear at this time. The teachers had been held in police custody, and their release marks a significant development in the ongoing tensions between the teachers and authorities in the region.
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Earlier in the day, Kakamega Women Representative Wilbroda Shinanda was also arrested while visiting the detained KUPPET officials, bringing the total number of detainees to four. The arrests marked a dramatic escalation of tensions between the teachers’ union and authorities.
The situation intensified when three KUPPET officials were arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) late Thursday afternoon.
The arrests were prompted by a complaint lodged by the principal of St. Monica Lubao School, leading to a manhunt for the officials. Those detained included Executive Secretary Harrison Otota, Vice Treasurer Damaris Kisiang’ani, and Livanze Mwani.
Lawyer Ken Echesa, who was present with the teachers during the arrests, provided insights into the unfolding situation. He later played a key role in securing the release of the four detainees, although the conditions for their release remain unclear. The incident highlights the escalating tensions between the union and authorities as the teachers continue to push for their demands.
Lawyer Ken Echesa, who was representing the arrested KUPPET officials, commented on the challenges of dealing with law enforcement, stating, “From a legal perspective, it is strenuous to argue with police officers.” He explained that the arrested officials chose not to seek cash bail and instead opted to remain in custody until the following morning as a symbolic gesture of their commitment to fighting for educators’ rights.
Echesa expressed hope that all the detained individuals would either be released unconditionally or brought before a court of law by the morning, emphasizing the importance of due process and justice in their case.
Lawyer Ken Echesa condemned the arrests, viewing them as part of a broader government scheme to intimidate teachers who are exercising their constitutional rights to protest. He called on the teaching community to rally in support of their colleagues, urging a strong turnout at Kakamega Central Police Station and later at Kakamega Law Courts.
“Let’s stand together in solidarity,” Echesa concluded, stressing the urgency of the situation and its implications for the future of teachers’ rights in the region.
Earlier in the day, branch treasurer Mbati Mukabana, while addressing the press, expressed optimism that the four detained individuals would be released before the end of the day. Their optimism was rewarded, as the four were indeed released, although it remains unclear if any conditions were imposed related to the ongoing strike.
