The legislator says his comments were taken out of context during a televised discussion on public sector accountability, accusing content creators of twisting his words to provoke anger and attract traffic.
The debate began after Wa Muthende appeared on Citizen TV’s Daybreak programme on Monday morning, where he participated in a panel discussing reforms, efficiency and measurable output within government departments.
The debate began after Wa Muthende appeared on Citizen TV’s Daybreak programme on Monday morning, where he participated in a panel discussing reforms, efficiency and measurable output within government departments.
Within hours, screenshots and captions circulated across social platforms claiming the MP argued that teachers who fail to produce academic results should forfeit their pay.
The claims sparked backlash from several teachers, union sympathizers and education stakeholders online, who demanded clarification from the lawmaker.
The claims sparked backlash from several teachers, union sympathizers and education stakeholders online, who demanded clarification from the lawmaker.
In response, Wa Muthende issued a detailed statement strongly rejecting the allegations as false and malicious.
“At no point did I say teachers should be denied salaries,” the MP stated.
“At no point did I say teachers should be denied salaries,” the MP stated.
“Some bloggers are deliberately twisting my remarks for engagement and propaganda.”
According to Wa Muthende, his actual remarks centered on strengthening accountability frameworks in public service, particularly in departments that are funded through taxpayer money.
According to Wa Muthende, his actual remarks centered on strengthening accountability frameworks in public service, particularly in departments that are funded through taxpayer money.
He noted that Kenyans frequently encounter underperformance in government institutions, leading to frustration among citizens who expect reliable, timely and responsible service delivery.
“Teachers remain among the most selfless and hardworking professionals in this country,” he affirmed.
“Teachers remain among the most selfless and hardworking professionals in this country,” he affirmed.
“During the interview, I openly commended them for shaping future generations and contributing to national development.”
The MP noted that Kenya invests heavily in education through annual budget allocations, making it reasonable for policymakers to evaluate outcomes and performance indicators.
The MP noted that Kenya invests heavily in education through annual budget allocations, making it reasonable for policymakers to evaluate outcomes and performance indicators.
However, he clarified that performance evaluation is not equivalent to salary withdrawal or punitive measures.
Wa Muthende argued that the conversation around results-based management exists across other sectors as well, including health, agriculture, licensing offices, and administrative departments, where citizens often complain about inefficiency and absenteeism.
“My point was simple—public institutions must reflect value for taxpayers’ money. That cannot be misinterpreted to mean employees should go unpaid.”
The uproar emerged at a time when staffing gaps in public schools continue to place pressure on the education sector.
Wa Muthende argued that the conversation around results-based management exists across other sectors as well, including health, agriculture, licensing offices, and administrative departments, where citizens often complain about inefficiency and absenteeism.
“My point was simple—public institutions must reflect value for taxpayers’ money. That cannot be misinterpreted to mean employees should go unpaid.”
The uproar emerged at a time when staffing gaps in public schools continue to place pressure on the education sector.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recently opened 9,159 vacancies to replace teachers who exited the profession due to retirement, resignation or death.
The recruitment is expected to support junior and senior schools, where shortages have been most severe.
Education experts have warned that the country needs thousands of additional teachers annually to match rising enrollment figures.
Education experts have warned that the country needs thousands of additional teachers annually to match rising enrollment figures.
Some union officials noted that conversations about performance must also acknowledge resource shortages, understaffing and heavy workloads in many public schools.
Wa Muthende, however, insisted that accountability and teacher welfare do not have to conflict.
“We cannot talk about a strong education system without investing in teachers,” he said.
Wa Muthende, however, insisted that accountability and teacher welfare do not have to conflict.
“We cannot talk about a strong education system without investing in teachers,” he said.
“But we must also ensure public service models encourage delivery, not stagnation.”
The MP urged Kenyans to verify information before reacting to online posts, arguing that the country is experiencing a surge in digital misinformation, especially involving politicians.
“We must move away from the culture of deliberate distortion just for clicks,” he warned.
The MP urged Kenyans to verify information before reacting to online posts, arguing that the country is experiencing a surge in digital misinformation, especially involving politicians.
“We must move away from the culture of deliberate distortion just for clicks,” he warned.
“Misinformation divides citizens and undermines genuine policy conversations.”
He further encouraged teachers not to interpret the viral claims as an attack on their profession, emphasizing his respect for educators and the role they play.
He further encouraged teachers not to interpret the viral claims as an attack on their profession, emphasizing his respect for educators and the role they play.