UASU boss warns Ogamba to stop ordering lecturers to end strike
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary, Maloba Wekesa, has told Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba to stop lecturing them on resuming work, describing the directive as disrespectful and an escalation of a long-standing dispute.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Wekesa criticised Ogamba’s assumption that lecturers could be ordered around, saying the CS seems to imagine he can dictate their actions.
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“The very fact that Migos Ogamba is running around and telling lecturers to go back to class…he seems to imagine that university lecturers should actually be ordered around,” Wekesa said.
He insisted that if Ogamba believes lecturers should resume classes immediately, he should lead by example.
“Wherever he thinks there is a classroom, feel free to go to that classroom yourself,” he said.
He added that the strike is the result of unresolved grievances and a long-standing process, not a sudden action.
UASU Chairperson had earlier urged the government to prioritise education, stressing the need for greater investment and commitment to the sector.
Lecturers demand arrears
The UASU secretary highlighted that only a portion of the lecturers’ demands has been addressed, arguing that the government cannot celebrate partial compliance.
“The very fact that a small portion of our demands have been met, which is only one of three demands, does not warrant celebration,” Wekesa said.
He pointed out that Ksh7.9 billion in arrears under the 2017 CBA remain unpaid, despite court rulings and acknowledgement by senior government officials.
Also, watch the other arrears demanded by the UASU officials.
Wekesa also addressed Ogamba’s short tenure in office, noting that the dispute predates his appointment. He emphasised that the core responsibility lies with the government, not lecturers.
“Eight years later, Ksh7.9 billion remains, and then a cabinet secretary wakes up and says he’s ordering lecturers back to class,” he said.
The remarks come a day after Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba directed lecturers to immediately resume duty, warning that those who fail to comply would face disciplinary action.
The CS said lecturers are in contempt of a High Court order requiring them to resume classes and highlighted that the government has released Ksh 2.5 billion to address lecturers’ grievances.
“Court orders are to be obeyed, or else you will be in contempt… We have done a lot in the sector, and we have agreed that all grievances can be addressed without us going on strikes that affect our learners,” Ogamba said.
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William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
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