Photo: ACBF

The teachers strike has paralysed learning in public schools.

Ol Kalou MP Erastus Mureithi has expressed concern over the reluctance by the government to end the ongoing teachers strike. The MP said that it was a shame the government was "not taking the matter seriously but was instead dismissing them." Mureithi asked the government to stop intimidating the teachers with the sacking orders and salary deductions, but address their grievances as matter of urgency.

He said teachers had been neglected for long unlike other civil servants and it was time the government dealt with their problem once and for all. Mureithi called on President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to immediately call for negotiations with the teachers representatives.

"We do not want our children to continue suffering, as the exams are just around the corner. The two principals should be mindful of the children and do and convene negotiations," he said. Mureithi called on other leaders to support the teachers cause, saying this was the only way they would force the government to recognise them.