NAIROBI, Kenya- In the quiet town of Oloitoktok, Kajiado County, what began as a somber occasion to bid farewell to a beloved head teacher quickly turned into a platform for addressing the impending teachers’ strike.
Loise Purdul, the daughter of former Kajiado South MP and Assistant Minister Phillip Ole Sing’aru, was laid to rest on Wednesday.
Among those in attendance was Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, spouse of the Deputy President, who used the occasion to connect with fellow educators and express her deep concerns.
Pastor Dorcas, herself a trained teacher from Kenyatta University, made a heartfelt appeal to the teaching fraternity, urging them to recognize the noble calling of their profession.
“Teaching is a calling, and no amount of compensation can truly equal the value of the contribution teachers make in shaping and transforming lives,” she remarked.
Her plea was clear: she hoped ongoing discussions between the government and teachers would prevent a strike and ensure that children remain in school come Monday.
Kajiado South MP Samuel Parashina was quick to highlight recent efforts by Parliament to avert the strike.
He mentioned the allocation of Ksh. 18 billion to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in the latest budget, a portion of which is earmarked for salary increments as part of a collective bargaining agreement.
“We came today to say goodbye to a shujaa who has worked tirelessly in the education sector. Let’s honor her memory by ensuring our children’s education continues uninterrupted,” Parashina emphasized.
Further echoing the sentiment was Kuku Ward MCA Lemomo Lewantai, who urged teachers to consider the broader impact of a strike on students, especially during the critical third term.
“Our teachers are also parents. In these deliberations, let’s be flexible for the sake of our children,” he appealed.
While education took center stage, the burial also provided a platform for addressing broader societal concerns. Kajiado Senator Peris Tobiko took the opportunity to voice her disappointment over the impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
Tobiko argued that the motion lacked a solid foundation and hinted that cultural biases might be at play, particularly regarding the role of women in leadership.
“Women will not stop breaking the glass ceiling because of culture and customs. The impeachment motion was more political than just,” she declared.
In a fitting close to the event, Pastor Dorcas urged the attendees to prioritize health screenings, particularly for cervical and prostate cancer, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis in saving lives.
