The ongoing university lecturers’ strike has taken an aggressive turn following a fiery press briefing by University Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary General Dr. Constantine Wasonga.
Responding directly to dismissal threats issued by state officials, the union leader has rejected any attempts to intimidate academic staff.
Video footage circulating across social media platforms has captured Dr. Wasonga delivering a defiant response to President William Ruto’s administration, insisting that highly educated scholars will not bow to political pressure or intimidation.
This dramatic escalation has followed earlier remarks by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba during the World Teachers’ Day event at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
Addressing gathered stakeholders, CS Ogamba has urged striking university dons to resume duty immediately, citing existing court directives that have suspended industrial action.
However, the government’s call to return to lecture halls has met stiff resistance from union leadership, who have argued that fundamental labor rights and remuneration disputes remain unresolved.
Defending his colleagues, Dr. Wasonga has pointed out that university lecturers possess specialized skills that command respect both nationally and internationally.
He has reminded state authorities that qualified dons remain scarce and highly sought after globally, making threats of summary dismissal ineffective against professionals who can secure opportunities anywhere in the world.
His sharp address has signaled a firm refusal to back down despite mounting state warnings.
The sharp exchange between the Ministry of Education and UASU leadership has deepened the crisis surrounding higher education institutions nationwide.
As public universities remain disrupted by the impasse, stakeholders have expressed growing concern over prolonged academic delays.
With neither side showing a willingness to compromise, the standoff between the government and university scholars has continued to intensify.