On Tuesday, secondary school teachers continued picketing at the Kakamega Provincial TSC offices amid rising tensions. The situation escalated further when another teacher was arrested while visiting her detained colleagues at the Kakamega Central Police Station. This brought the total number of detained teachers to five.
The initial arrests occurred late Thursday afternoon when three KUPPET officials, including Executive Secretary Harrison Otota, Vice Treasurer Damaris Kisiang’ani, and Livanze Mwani, were apprehended by DCI officers.
The arrests were in response to a complaint filed by the principal of St. Monica Lubao School, leading to a targeted manhunt for the union leaders.
READ ALSO: Arrested and Detained KUPPET Officials Released
In a disturbing turn of events, Kakamega Women Representative Wilbroda Shinanda was also arrested while visiting the detained officials, adding to the growing number of those held in custody.
These arrests have significantly heightened the already tense situation, as teachers and union leaders continue to push back against what they view as government intimidation tactics aimed at suppressing their constitutional right to protest.
The detained KUPPET officials were transported to Kakamega Central Police Station following their arrest. Lawyer Ken Echesa, who was with the group of teachers during the arrests, shared his perspective on the situation.
“From a legal perspective, it is strenuous to argue with police officers,” Echesa remarked. He explained that the arrested officials chose not to seek cash bail, opting instead to remain in custody until Friday morning as a symbolic gesture of their commitment to fighting for educators’ rights.
READ ALSO: KUPPET Officials Arrested by Police Amidst Nationwide Teachers’ Strike
Echesa expressed hope that all the arrested individuals would either be released unconditionally or brought before a court of law by the morning, emphasizing the importance of justice and due process 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 presence at Kakamega Central Police Station and later at Kakamega Law Courts.
“Let’s stand together in solidarity,” Echesa concluded, underscoring the urgency of the situation and its implications for the future of teachers’ rights in the area.
Kakamega branch treasurer Mbati Mukabana, while addressing the press earlier this afternoon, expressed optimism that the four detained officials would be released before the end of the day. “We are processing for our colleagues to be out, and we have already struck a deal.
Our lawyers are on it, and we are sure that the four will be released today because the crimes they are being accused of are very petty according to the criminal laws of this republic,” Mukabana stated, reflecting the union’s confidence in a favorable outcome.
