Teachers’ unions have condemned Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir for making derogatory public remarks against teachers at St Peter’s Kindu Secondary School, terming them a blatant show of disrespect to the teaching profession.

Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Secretary-General Akelo Misori criticised the MP for verbally attacking teachers in front of students and parents, describing the incident as humiliating and inappropriate.

“Teachers are not political pawns. Staffing decisions fall under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), not elected officials,” Misori stated, adding that such hostile environments undermine teachers’ ability to deliver the curriculum. “The current conditions are untenable. TSC should withdraw the affected teachers to restore morale and ensure a conducive working environment,” he stated.

During a recent visit to the school, MP Shabbir was recorded berating staff: “I have a list of 100 unemployed teachers. If you think TSC will protect you, think again. You in the red jacket, come here! Who the hell are you?”

On Sunday, however, the MP issued an unreserved apology. “I went out of line, and I am sorry. I sincerely apologise to all teachers, especially those at Kindu Secondary School,” he said.

The MP said that while his frustrations over poor school performance were valid, his approach was wrong. “The school has dropped from a mean score of 264 to below 120. There’s serious indiscipline and absenteeism—but that didn’t justify my delivery,” he admitted.

Shabbir pledged to work constructively with teachers, acknowledging their vital role in society.

However, educators and stakeholders have demanded more than an apology. Misori warned that continued interference and threats could prompt mass teacher withdrawals and protests. “Only TSC has the legal authority to employ, transfer, or discipline teachers. MPs must stay in their lane,” Misori asserted.

Education Stakeholders Association Secretary Ndung’u Wangenye also criticised the MP, saying he had abused public trust. “If he believes teachers are failing, let him employ the 100 names he claimed to have,” he added.

The National Parents Association Chairperson, Silas Obuhatsa, warned the incident sets a dangerous precedent.

“Publicly humiliating teachers damages their authority and affects their mental well-being. Our leaders should support education, not undermine it,” Obuhatsa said.