Busia Senator Okiyah Omtatah has strongly criticised National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula over his remarks concerning the alleged distribution of Teachers Service Commission (TSC) appointment letters through State House and Members of Parliament.
Omtatah described the reported arrangement as a “constitutional coup against the TSC”, arguing that the Constitution gives the independent commission exclusive authority to appoint teachers.
In a statement, the senator cited Article 237 of the Constitution, which establishes the TSC and grants it powers relating to the registration, recruitment and employment of teachers.
“This is a constitutional coup against the TSC,” Omtatah said, arguing that the process should not involve State House, the Speaker, MPs or political intermediaries.
His remarks followed Wetang’ula’s claim that some MPs had accompanied him to State House, where President William Ruto allegedly issued them TSC employment letters for distribution to teachers in their constituencies.
Wetang’ula further alleged that some MPs were selling the letters to job seekers for as much as Sh400,000, raising concerns about possible political interference and corruption in the recruitment of teachers.
Omtatah said Wetang’ula’s statement amounted to an admission that the executive had taken control of a function constitutionally assigned to the TSC.
“Hon Wetang’ula’s admission that letters now come from State House is an open confession of executive capture,” Omtatah said.
According to the senator, allowing political leaders to control access to teaching jobs undermines the independence of the TSC and could deny qualified graduates a fair opportunity to secure employment.
He argued that the alleged practice effectively turns public-sector employment into political patronage, where access to government jobs depends on connections to influential political figures rather than merit.
Omtatah also accused the political establishment of weakening the TSC by allegedly reducing it to what he described as a “rubber stamp”.
He warned that withholding or distributing appointment letters through MPs could create an informal system in which politicians determine who gets access to employment opportunities.
The senator further described the alleged hoarding and distribution of TSC appointment letters through MPs as “institutionalised corruption”, calling for the commission’s constitutional independence to be protected.
The controversy comes amid growing public debate over the role of political leaders in the recruitment and appointment of teachers.
Under Article 237, the TSC is an independent constitutional commission mandated, among other functions, to register trained teachers, recruit and employ registered teachers, and exercise disciplinary control over teachers.
Omtatah’s criticism therefore places renewed focus on whether political involvement in the issuance or distribution of teaching appointment letters is consistent with the constitutional mandate of the TSC.
The allegations made by Wetang’ula and the concerns raised by Omtatah have yet to establish that all MPs or TSC officials are involved in such practices.
The claims also raise questions that would require clarification from the TSC, State House and other relevant authorities.