A section of Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) members in Kirinyaga have called for free, transparent, and well‑managed branch elections slated for January 17, alleging delays and opacity around the nomination process.
The teachers say the list of contestants for various positions has not been published, raising fears of possible interference as the poll date approaches.
Contestant Jacob Murigi said aspirants paid nomination fees, filled out and returned papers, but received no formal feedback from the branch. “We want that list on Tuesday so we can establish who will vie for what position and plan accordingly,” he said as quoted by one of the local dailies.
The elections will be held at Kutus Primary School, and teachers questioned why the branch had not furnished members with essential information in time. “We suspect a plot by some quarters to frustrate contestants and interfere with the elections, but we will block it with all our might,” Murigi added.
Members also asked KUPPET to provide a verified register of eligible voters to prevent irregularities. They argued that availing the register would clarify the number of teachers expected to cast ballots and curb incidents of non‑members participating. Murigi further cautioned branch officials to adhere to the National Executive Board (NEB) directive requiring the poll to run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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The teachers appealed to the county security team to ensure adequate security at the venue to allow members to vote without intimidation or skirmishes. They encouraged colleagues to turn out in large numbers and support candidates of their choice.
Kirinyaga’s branch executive team was re‑elected unopposed in 2021, with executive secretary Njogu Mbui having served since 2006. A new slate of aspirants, branding themselves “Team Change,” has emerged this cycle, pledging to unseat the long‑standing leadership and promising stronger representation of teachers’ interests.
Outgoing chairperson Njega Muchiri dismissed the interference claims as unfounded, insisting the union’s structures are robust and professional. “KUPPET is run professionally. Those claiming there are plans to interfere with the elections are wrong—or why then are we all campaigning so seriously if some people intend to rig?” he posed.
Muchiri, who is vying for branch executive secretary, said nominations were conducted in line with NEB guidelines. He explained that the list of nominated candidates was forwarded to the national office, which then transmitted it to the county department of labour under the Ministry of Labour and Skills Development. The department, he said, will oversee the elections and has convened a meeting for all contestants next Friday to brief them on the process and resolve any outstanding issues.
By Masaki Enock
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