The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Nyanza delegates have thrown their weight behind the union Secretary General Akello Misori ahead of the looming national elections.
The delegates who converged in Kisumu noted that Misori and the entire steering committee have so far done a good job hence the need to re-elect them.
Led by KUPPET Kisumu branch executive secretary George Osura, the delegates said Misori and his entire team have secured their support in next month’s national elections.
Misori who was accompanied by the national chairman Omboko Milemba, said he will still pursue matters to do with the Social Health Authority (SHA) which he noted are yet to be fixed.
He said some medical facilities are still turning his members away hence the need to pursue the matter further, adding that some health institutions are applying double standards when it comes to SHA.
On the autonomy of JSS, the KUPPET boss noted that it is still contentious issue adding that parliament will have to relook it.
Misori further took a jab on his opponents saying that they have nothing to offer and dared them, assuring them of a tough competition.
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He said members have realized several gains during his reign among them the CBO.
The secretary general is expected to square it out with Ronald Tonui , the KUPPET National Assistant Treasurer who has declared his bid for the position of Secretary-General ahead of the union’s upcoming elections.
Tonui announced his candidature during a meeting with Bomet branch officials, setting the stage for a contest with Misori.
The former Bomet Central MP criticised the current union leadership, accusing it of becoming an extension of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and failing to effectively represent teachers’ interests.
Tonui, who has recently been at loggerheads with the national officials after opposing the removal of the age limit for union leaders, said he is ready to take on Misori and his team in the polls.
“I have the capacity to restore the dignity of teachers in this country by being their voice. We will not leave anything to chance but will ensure we overhaul the union leadership,” Tonui said.
Tonui said his mission is to return the union to its members.
“I want to bring the union back to the teachers and ensure it speaks for them, which is not the situation as we speak,” he said.
He further claimed the union had become toothless due to leaders pursuing personal interests at the expense of members.
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Tonui’s entry into the race sets up a potentially fierce contest with his longtime ally-turned-rival, Misori.
Misori has already indicated he will seek to retain the seat and enters the race with the advantage of incumbency.
The fallout between the two leaders followed Tonui’s opposition to constitutional amendments that removed the age limit for union officials. The dispute escalated when efforts were made to expel him from the union, a decision later overturned by the court.
The KUPPET Bomet branch, where Tonui is a member, has already thrown its weight behind his bid.
Branch Executive Secretary Paul Kimetto said the branch will rally delegates to support Tonui ahead of the National Delegates Conference.
“As his home branch, we will go the extra mile to ensure he gets the support of delegates during the National Delegates Conference,” Kimetto said.
Kimetto also praised Tonui for supporting the branch’s development initiatives, including the establishment of the KUPPET Centre.
By Fredrick Odiero
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