The Employment and Labour Relations Court sitting in Nairobi has intervened in the leadership wrangles at the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Mandera Branch, issuing a conservatory order temporarily halting the registration of newly elected officials.
The ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing union dispute, with the Court stepping in to preserve the status quo pending further hearings.
Conservatory Orders Issued
In the official document, the matter is described as follows: “THIS MATTER coming up on 25th February 2026 for directions on the Notice of Motion dated 20th February 2026 before Honourable Justice J.W. Keli UPON perusal of the application in the absence of the parties.”
After reviewing the application, the Court restrained the Registrar of Trade Unions from registering any changes arising from the February 14 branch elections.
The order clearly states: “THAT the Honourable Court is pleased to issue Conservatory Orders of Injunction, restraining and/or stopping the 2nd Respondent herein, the Registrar of Trade Unions from registering any changes of officials of the KENYA UNION OF POST PRIMARY EDUCATION TEACHERS (KUPPET) MANDERA BRANCH resulting from the Branch Elections conducted on 14/2/2026 pending the hearing of this application.”
This directive effectively freezes the transition of leadership within the Mandera branch until the matter is heard and determined.
Timeline for Responses and Hearing Date
The Court further directed that the petition and application be served within a strict timeline, noting:
“THAT the application and petition be served for response in 15 days. Right of reply.”
The dispute is now set for an inter partes hearing next month, with the ruling confirming: “Hearing of the application interpartes on the 16th March 2026.”
The penal notice accompanying the ruling warns that failure to comply with the orders will attract legal consequences.
What This Means for KUPPET Mandera
The intervention by the Court means that no changes in the union’s Mandera branch leadership can be formalised until the March 16 hearing.
The outcome of the case is expected to determine the legality of the branch elections conducted on February 14 and clarify whether the contested officials can lawfully assume office.
READ ALSO: Youthful team sweeps KUPPET Murang’a Branch elections after Court-delayed poll
For now, the status quo remains, and all eyes turn to the Employment and Labour Relations Court for the next phase of proceedings.
By Joseph Mambili
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