Activist Boniface Mwangi honours his teacher Mr Mwaniki during the World Teachers' Day 2026 / ScreengrabActivist Boniface Mwangi has credited a former primary school teacher with shaping his lifelong passion for books and the written word.
Mwangi paid tribute to Mr Mwaniki in a message marking International Teachers’ Day, recalling how his English teacher at Pangani Primary School introduced him to the joy of reading.
Mwaniki taught at the school from 1977 until his retirement in 2015. He also ran the school library, which Mwangi described as his favourite place and the most beautiful space in the school.
“I fell in love with the written word because of his teaching and the way the books in his library were so well arranged and classified,” Mwangi said.
He recalled that Mwaniki’s approach to books made him enjoy spending time in the library and look forward to his classes.
According to Mwangi, his former teacher retired in 2015 after 41 years in the profession.
Mwangi said Mwaniki has largely stayed away from social media and WhatsApp because of his devotion to books.
“His love for books has made him allergic to social media and WhatsApp. The only way to reach him is by regular phone call,” he said.
The activist also recalled Mwaniki’s voting history, saying his former teacher voted for the first and last time in 1997, when he supported former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu.
Mwangi said Mwaniki later became disillusioned with Kenya’s political leadership and chose not to vote again.
However, he said his former teacher was looking forward to voting for him in the 2027 General Election and had always believed in his political ambitions.
Mwangi concluded his message by wishing teachers a happy International Teachers’ Day.
The tribute came as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) marked the day by unveiling its Roll of Honour, recognising outstanding educators as the commission celebrates 60 years since the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation that established global standards for the teaching profession.
President William Ruto was the chief guest at the national celebrations held alongside senior government officials, teacher union leaders and TSC commissioners.
The event was held under the theme, “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.”
The celebrations combined recognition of outstanding teachers with reflection on the progress and challenges facing the profession.
World Teachers’ Day is observed annually on October 5. However, the 2026 celebrations carry added significance as they coincide with the 60th anniversary of the international instrument that set out teachers’ rights, responsibilities and working conditions.
The TSC said the occasion was not only a celebration but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to safeguarding and elevating the status of teachers.
The Kasarani ceremony followed a week of activities, including the Teachers Run marathon held on Sunday, September 27, with simultaneous races at the eight TSC regional headquarters in Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyeri, Embu, Kakamega, Kisumu, Mombasa and Garissa.
The teachers honoured during the celebrations were selected through an evidence-based process designed to be transparent, objective and based on verifiable impact.
