This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
STAFFROOM DIARY: Why I want Fiolina to resign ¶
By MWALIMU ANDREW
As I allowed Fiolina, my beautiful wife, to teach at Sharp Shooter Academy, my only fear was that she would be targeted by men, led by Mr Maina, the chairman of Team Mafisi. To protect her, I took measures to ensure she was safe.
Firstly, I found her a house far from school, so that other staff members, including Mr Maina, wouldn't easily find out where she stayed. Secondly, I ensured that every teacher at Sharp Shooter knew that Fiolina was taken by frequently visiting the school and holding her hand in public. Thirdly, I made random impromptu visits to the school and her house, which is actually my house, to keep an eye on her.
However, my efforts to protect Fiolina were soon overshadowed by a more pressing concern - the unpaid teachers at Sharp Shooter Academy. When I discovered that Fiolina had not been paid, I borrowed money to settle her debts, expecting to be reimbursed by Mr Maina. But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, I realized that I had made a grave mistake.
On a fateful Monday, I took a Msamaria Mwema to town and walked straight to the school, where I found Fiolina marking books. I was relieved that Mr Maina was not present, but my relief was short-lived. As I leisurely walked with Fiolina, holding hands, I discovered that the situation at Sharp Shooter Academy was even more dire than I had imagined.
When I asked Mr Maina why he hadn't paid Fiolina, he responded harshly, saying that he had no contract with me and that I had no idea whether he had paid her or not. He even went so far as to suggest that Fiolina might have lied about her salary. But I knew that I had to act, not just for Fiolina's sake, but for the sake of all the unpaid teachers at Sharp Shooter Academy.
As I left the school, I knew that I had to take drastic action. I told Fiolina that she needed to resign immediately, but she refused, saying that people hadn't been paid for over six months and that she would wait and see how the next two months went. Her words cut deep, and I knew that I had to act quickly to protect her.
