Confusion erupted at the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) 26th Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) as internal leadership disputes led to a scuffle, resulting in the ejection of the union’s assistant national treasurer, Ronald Tonui.
The ADC unfolded against a backdrop of factionalism within the union, which recently led to Misori demanding for deregistration of Tonuias an official member of the union, a move he (Tonui) contested in court. During the conference, individuals believed to have been hired prevented Tonui and a group of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers from entering the meeting, asserting their right to representation.
Tonui arrived at the venue accompanied by JSS teachers and representatives from the Kericho, Tana River, and Laikipia branches, intending to serve KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori with a court order that halts his removal. He criticized the planned constitutional amendments, arguing they had not undergone proper procedures and disregarded members’ rights.
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“The amendment process lacked public participation at the branch level, and most members are unaware of the proposed changes,” he stated.
Tonui noted that the amendments had not received approval from the National Executive Board or the National Governing Council, emphasizing that bypassing these essential steps constituted illegality, which he vowed to contest in court.
Nandi branch Executive Secretary Paul Rotich attempted to challenge the inclusion of constitutional amendments on the agenda, but his efforts failed, and the agenda was adopted with majority support.
KUPPET Chairman Omboko Milemba reassured members that the union had the court’s backing for the proposed amendments, stating, “Union chaos is typical, and while amendments may face resistance, they ultimately gain majority acceptance.” He thanked members for maintaining peace during the event.
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Secretary General Akelo Misori explained that the amendments aim to expand representation within the union by adding positions such as first and second assistant national gender secretaries and an assistant national secretary for Junior Secondary. They also proposed a new framework for addressing issues pertinent to JSS teachers.
Other amendments included an increase in nomination fees for various leadership positions, with fees set at Sh500,000 for the national general secretary, chairman, and treasurer; Sh300,000 for the deputy secretary general and other key roles; and lower fees for various branch positions.
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Misori argued that these increased fees were intended to deter uncommitted candidates from seeking leadership roles, emphasizing the need for dedicated leaders.
“We don’t want jokers who will abandon teachers during industrial actions to ascend to the leadership of the union. This money is not meant to lock anyone from the leadership of the union. It will prove the commitment and seriousness, and ability of a candidate aspiring to lead teachers,” he said.
Tonui countered that while constitutional amendments are necessary, they must follow the correct procedures, including secret ballot voting and adherence to the two-thirds rule.
He condemned the use of hired individuals to remove members from the meeting as further evidence of illegal actions by union officials.
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Kericho County Executive Secretary Mary Rotich expressed concern over the expulsion of delegates, asserting that KUPPET should reflect the voices of all teachers.
“When members are excluded, the constitution fails to represent the majority,” she remarked.
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