A closer look at the results in the previously held branch elections for the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET)across the country shows a trend that should make older candidates worried, going forward and especially as the union is gracing for National Elections few months from now.
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In Machakos, long serving Executive Secretary, Katuku Musembi, was sent home together with his entire team. Katuku, 62, was beaten by the vocal, younger Vice Chair Yvonne Musyoka, 42.
In Kisumu, Zablon Awange’s bid for a fourth term flopped in the most embarrassing fashion after he was defeated by the youthful George Osura, 38, the County Sports Secretary, who enjoys a huge following from teachers due to his sports enthusiasm.
In Kirinyaga, the race was too hot forcing veteran John Mbui, 61, to abandon the race, with Charles Gachoki, 39 being overwhelmingly voted in together with his entire team.
In Kitui, long serving Executive Secretary Kioko Mutia was sent home by Mwalimu Sacco Delegate Philip Maanzo, 44. In Kiambu, incumbent Moses Thogo, escaped the wrath of the members by a paltry three votes.
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In Nandi, vocal unionist Paul Rotich was reelected on the platform of the need to change the KUPPET National office. Rotich is one of the petitioners who have raised issues in the manner in which the constitution was amended. In a separate suit, Rotich has petitioned the Employment and Labour Relations Court to block the union National Chairman and Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba and KUPPET National Secretary Gender and Bungoma County Woman MP Catherine Wambilyanga from holding positions in the union. Rotich is expected to contest a national seat which he’s yet to disclose.
In Vihiga, the need for change was escalated a notch higher when outgoing Executive Secretary Sabala Inyeni, 45, was overwhelmingly endorsed to run for a national seat. Sabala, who has been very vocal on teachers’ issues, surprised many by not defending his branch seat, despite his good performance record, and declared his intention to run for a national seat. Charles Otiende was elected as the new branch Executive Secretary.
In Homabay County, Stephen Yogo, 56 and who is believed to be a close ally of the union Secretary General Akelo Misori is believed to have been trailing by the time goons infiltrated the polling station to stop the process. Yogo is competing Thomas Odhiambo, 45, another sports enthusiastic with a fanatical following among youthful teachers.
From the analysis, it is clear that teachers are voting for youthful candidates, or those candidates perceived as rebels of the KUPPET National office.
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It remains to be seen how this voting pattern will affect Kakamega, Bungoma and Siaya branches this weekend, where incumbents are said to be at the wrong side of 60. Harrison Otota, 59, has served as Executive Secretary for 15 years, now running against Johnston Wabuti, 50. Augustine Luketelo, 62, has also served the union for 3 terms, now coming up against his branch Chairman David Barasa, 49. Sam Opondo, 60, is running against Richard Agot, 51.
Other branches with elderly Executive Secretaries include Meru (Karuti Nchebere), Tharaka-Nithi (Gitonga), Nairobi (Moses Mbora), Makueni(Justus Kimeu) and Garrisa (Igunza Masambula).
Several Executive Secretaries who have hit 60 years chose to exit honorably. They include Lusweti Furaha(Trans-Nzoia), Lewis Nyakweba(Nyamira) and Zadock Kisienya(Kajiado).
By Our reporter
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