Nyeri teachers back Ephraim Maina bid for governor seat
By Loise Wambugu, April 12, 2022
Nyeri Senator Ephraim Maina’s gubernatorial bid has received a major boost after teachers from ECDE, primary and secondary schools promised to back him.
Led by officials of the Kenya National Union of Teachers Nyeri branch, the teachers said that Maina is the best bet for the county owing to his corruption-free record.
“As teachers of Nyeri, we have confidence that our senator can lead this county to a greater level.
“We have information that more than Ksh 25 Billion has been misappropriated yet the education sector is underfunded especially early child development which is key to the development of this sector,” Charles Gakuuri, a Knut official, said.
The teachers said that although primary and secondary education is under the national government, counties have a role to play in the construction of classrooms and other amenities.
The decision by teachers to back Maina is a big blow to current governor Mutahi Kahiga who is a former KNUT executive secretary.
His choice as deputy governor for the late Wahome Gakuru was due to the fact that he controlled the teachers’ community who are vital as opinion shapers.