Demonstrations in Kenya have taken a new twist with striking workers now inviting bands to lead their marches.
During the lecturers' demonstration on Wednesday,
Pamoja Youth Band from Rongai was spotted carrying trombones while waiting for instructions from them.
The dons took to the streets led by the band after the march was
officially launched at the University of Nairobi
graduation square.
Speaking to the Star during the procession, band leader Erick Jeveri said they had been hired but did not
specify how much they were given.
The group was invited perhaps to lessen the pain of the plight, soothe egos or clear tension that has seen riot police take drastic measures in past demonstrations.
The enthusiastic lecturers, who were undeterred by the chilly weather, shouted, sang and blew whistles.
They held banners reading
"Kabura drives a Prado, a professor drives a tuk tuk"; "Wahadhiri wanameza mate tuu ..Wangawana wanatafuna nyama ...wolololo (Doctors are salivating as honourables eat meat)".
A striking lecturer holds up signs critical of the government, during their march from University of Nairobi, in a demand for the fulfillment of their 2013-17 Collective Bargaining Agreement, February 22, 2017. /EMMANUEL WANJALA
Josephine Kabura is a Nairobi businesswoman and hairdresser who was adversely mentioned in the Sh1.6 National Youth Service scandal.
The meat-eating joke arose from President Uhuru Kenyatta's remarks to Opposition leader Raila Odinga at William Ntimama's funeral.
Uhuru told Raila to clean up his house and let his administration enjoy meat, but the Jubilee administration has been termed a failure and its leaders selfish and not interested in Kenyans' well-being.
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The lecturers, who went on strike on January 19, said the government must fulfill their Collective Bargaining Agreement as promised.
"We are not quacks," they shouted, and sang the solidarity forever song. "We
shall never be divided for the union makes us strong. Bado mapabano (The struggle continues)," the said.
The dons also held hands as they walked through the central business district, causing traffic.
Pamoja Band from Rongai leads striking lecturers in a march from University of Nairobi, in a demand for the fulfillment of their 2013-17 Collective Bargaining Agreement, February 22, 2017. /EMMANUEL WANJALA
They are expected to proceed to Education CS Fred Matiang'i's office at Jogoo House.
Uasu Secretary general Constantine Wasonga said they will present their grievances to the CS.
"This will be the mother of all strikes.
We need our own share of the money they have already given other workers," he said.
The
government made lecturers an offer of Sh10 billion, saying it would enable a three percent increment in their basic salaries and a 1.6 per cent increase in house allowances.
But Wasonga said: “We won’t settle for anything less than a 30 per cent increment on our basic salaries and a 20 per cent increase in housing allowances."
He added on Monday that they were open to talks.