Kisumu: MP Shakeel Shabir Apologises after Publicly Humiliating Teachers
- A legislator issued a public apology after a heated exchange with educators at a local school sparked widespread backlash and online criticism
- The lawmaker explained the reasons for his behaviour to the local teachers, during which he threatened stricter measures
- His apology followed concerns by Kenyans and senior officials in the Education sector who issued an ultimatum for him to withdraw his remarks
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Kisumu East Member of Parliament Shakeel Shabir has issued a public apology to teachers at St. Peter’s Kindu Secondary School following backlash over a viral video in which he was seen scolding staff in the presence of students.
Source: Facebook
His apology came after mounting pressure from officials in the Education sector.
Has Shakeel Shabir apologised?
Addressing the matter on Sunday, July 13, the lawmaker admitted that his emotions got the better of him during the heated exchange.
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“I want to offer an unreserved apology to all the teachers who felt disrespected. Maybe the emotions and circumstances at the time took things out of control,” he said, acknowledging that he crossed a line and expressing deep regret for his conduct.
The incident sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the MP of overstepping his mandate and publicly humiliating the teaching staff.
While Shabir has maintained that his concerns about academic performance at the school are valid, he admitted that his approach was inappropriate and counterproductive.
"I have great respect for teachers. I am what I am because of teachers, and I want to offer an unreserved apology without anything else. I am sorry I went out of line and I feel I beg for your apologies. You are teachers and the pillars of our societies," he added.
Did teachers pressure Shabir to apologise?
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) secretary general Collins Oyuu issued a stern ultimatum to Shabir, demanding a public apology over his remarks directed at teachers.
Oyuu referenced past alleged hateful comments made by the legislator, warning that the teaching fraternity would not tolerate continued disrespect.
“Apologise for what you said on Friday,” Oyuu urged, noting that while teachers had kept a record of the MP’s conduct, they had chosen not to engage in personal attacks.
He emphasised that teachers would not stoop to pettiness but insisted that their dignity must be respected.
Oyuu further cautioned Shabir against taking teachers for granted, stressing that their silence should not be mistaken for weakness.
Why did Shakeel Shabir confront teachers?
The controversy stemmed from a video that showed Shabir confronting a male teacher over his posture, which the MP found disrespectful.
Source: Facebook
In front of students and parents, Shabir summoned a particular educator and delivered a scathing reprimand, as he threatened disciplinary action against non-performing teachers without consulting the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
In the same footage, Shabir was heard saying he would plant surveillance within the school to monitor teachers’ attendance and performance and threatened to replace them with unemployed educators.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
