Three officials from the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Kakamega were arrested on Tuesday morning.
The arrests were made by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kakamega East Sub-county. The officials were reportedly apprehended for allegedly causing a disturbance at a local school.
Following their arrest, they were taken to Kakamega Central Police Station, where they are currently detained. The incident occurred amid ongoing picketing by secondary school teachers at the Kakamega Provincial Teachers Service Commission (TSC) offices, reflecting the growing tensions between teachers and the authorities as they push for their demands to be addressed.
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The three KUPPET officials in Kakamega were arrested by DCI officers from Kakamega East Sub-county and were initially detained at Shianda Police Station in Mumias East Sub-county. They were later transferred to the Kakamega Central cells.
The officials are accused of creating tension in a local school by attempting to force teachers out of the institution. According to the police, they were also threatening teachers who were willing to continue teaching, contributing to the unrest. Their actions are seen as part of the broader disputes and protests by teachers in the region.
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Kakamega Deputy DCI Nicholas Waringa confirmed that the three KUPPET officials were in custody, noting that the case is being handled by officers in Kakamega East.
Union officials, however, have responded by accusing the government of using intimidation tactics against teachers. They claim that the arrests and threats are part of a malicious plan to suppress teachers who are exercising their constitutional right to protest.
The union leaders have urged teachers not to be deceived by these tactics and to remain steadfast in their demands.
