Teachers stage protests against Eco Pillar Sacco over alleged loan fraud scandal
The sacco is plagued with claims of fraudulent loans issuance including to deceased members.
Members of Eco Pillar Sacco, formerly Teachers Plaza Sacco, majority of them teachers held a peaceful march from Makutano Town to the West Pokot County Assembly to protest alleged mismanagement and embezzlement of Sacco funds, most of which belong to teachers.
The members accused sacco officials of financial irregularities, including denial of loans to genuine contributors despite years of savings, while alleging that some loans were illegally processed in the names of deceased individuals.
The demonstrators expressed anger over what they termed as systematic exploitation of members’ savings and demanded urgent investigations and recovery of the lost funds.
Teachers who participated in the protest, alongside union officials, said the alleged fraud had left many members struggling financially.
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) West Pokot Chairman Geoffrey Doywan said teachers were facing severe hardship, with some unable to meet basic needs such as school fees, housing, and family expenses.
Doywan further alleged that some individuals linked to the Sacco leadership had attempted to intimidate members who raised concerns, warning that the protests could intensify if no action is taken.
He called for arrests and prosecution of those involved, insisting that teachers had entrusted their savings for development and financial stability.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) West Pokot Branch Executive Secretary Dorcas Cheyech Lotome also condemned the alleged misuse of funds, noting that teachers’ contributions are deducted directly from their salaries and must be safeguarded. She urged those implicated to refund the money, saying educators deserved financial dignity and security.
The sacco is plagued with claims of fraudulent loans issuance including to deceased members.
