KUPPET Bomet aspirant dismisses online opinion polls in winning teachers’ elections

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers, KUPPET Bomet branch chairman aspirant Emmanuel Ngeno has cautioned fellow aspirants and teachers against placing too much emphasis on online polls, arguing that they do not reflect the true will of educators and instead create unnecessary pressure ahead of union elections.

Speaking in Bomet, Ngeno said online polls are often initiated and driven by individuals who invest heavily in mobilising votes through informal networks that extend beyond teachers.

He noted that links to such polls are frequently shared in college student forums, merry-go-round groups, family WhatsApp groups and among villagers, distorting their credibility.

“Online polls tend to favour those who initiate them. They are used to create a false impression of popularity and to intimidate both voters and aspirants,” Ngeno said.

He added:“This kind of pressure distracts candidates from what truly matters—engaging teachers directly in staffrooms and presenting clear agendas and achievements.”

The aspirant urged candidates to prioritise staffroom visits, describing them as the most effective platform for meaningful interaction with teachers.

According to him, focusing on mobilising votes for online polls risks sidelining genuine engagement and accountability.

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Ngeno ,who is also a teacher at Chepngaina Secondary School in Bomet Central sub county, further alleged that the aggressive promotion of online polls points to desperation and a pattern of questionable political conduct.

He claimed that some individuals behind such practices have previously been linked to irregularities in past union elections, including the 2021 Bomet KUPPET branch polls.

“These are warning signs. If you study their patterns closely, you will notice tendencies associated with electoral malpractices, not just in union politics but even in national political contests,” he said.

He called on teachers to ignore pressure from repeated messages promoting online polls and instead prepare to participate in the official voting process.

Ngeno encouraged educators to turn out in large numbers on Friday, February 27, emphasizing that the ballot remains the only legitimate expression of teachers’ choices.

“To voters, do not be overwhelmed by inbox pressure. The real power lies in the voting booth,” he said.

Ngeno reminded the teachers that informed decision-making is key to safeguarding the integrity of union leadership, stating that “information is power.”

By Philip Koech