- Kiambu Branch JSS Secretary Maureen Makena stepped aside from the race, throwing her support behind Michael Murigi ahead of the 2026 elections.
- The endorsement strengthens Murigi’s standing among delegates as he campaigns on accountability, stewardship, unity and mentorship for the Central Region Trustee seat.
- If elected, Murigi will represent branches from five counties, safeguarding union assets and ensuring prudent resource management at the national level.
Michael Murigi’s bid for the KUPPET Central Region Trustee seat has received a significant boost after a rival candidate, Maureen Makena, withdrew from the race and threw her support behind him ahead of the union’s 2026 elections.
Makena, who serves as the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Kiambu Branch Junior Secondary School (JSS) Secretary, announced her withdrawal in a statement to delegates, saying the decision followed careful reflection on her leadership journey and future aspirations within the union.
She clarified that stepping aside should not be read as a lack of ambition, but rather as a strategic choice to allow herself more time to gain experience and sharpen her leadership skills before taking on greater responsibilities.
“Offering myself for this position came from a genuine desire to serve, and I remain deeply passionate about leadership and the advancement of our union. However, I have come to appreciate that effective leadership is also about discernment, knowing when to step forward and when to allow yourself more time to grow,” she said.
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Makena thanked the delegates, colleagues and supporters who had rallied behind her candidature, describing their confidence in her as both humbling and inspiring, and reaffirmed her commitment to continue serving teachers in her current role as Kiambu Branch JSS Secretary.
In the same statement, she declared her full backing for Murigi, delivering an endorsement likely to strengthen his standing among delegates as campaigns intensify ahead of the union’s Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) later this year.
“I say Murigi anatosha. He has my full support,” she stated.
Murigi, who has built his campaign around accountability, stewardship, unity and mentorship, welcomed the endorsement, with his team describing it as a major step toward building a stronger and more united KUPPET in the Central Region. With Makena out of the race, Murigi now finds himself in a considerably stronger position heading into the contest.
Murigi formally declared his candidature for the position of National Trustee – Central Region last week, following weeks of consultations with colleagues, supporters, delegates and education stakeholders across the region.
The youthful unionist revealed that he had originally intended to contest for the position of Central Region Secretary, but shifted his focus after assessing ongoing discussions about the evolving role and anticipated functions of regional councils within the union. “As a strong advocate for reforms within our union, I had initially expressed my interest in contesting for the position of Central Region Secretary, with the sole intention of serving our members and championing the positive changes that our region deserves,” Murigi said, explaining that he ultimately concluded the trustee position offered a greater opportunity to shape the union’s governance and strategic direction.
“I hereby officially announce my candidature for the position of National Trustee representing the Central Region. This decision is guided by my unwavering commitment to serve KUPPET where I believe I can make the greatest impact,” he stated.
If elected, Murigi will represent KUPPET branches drawn from Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Nyandarua counties at the national level, taking on a role responsible for safeguarding the union’s assets and ensuring prudent management of its resources.
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“As National Trustee, I will work diligently to safeguard the union’s assets, uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, transparency and prudent stewardship, while ensuring that members’ interests remain paramount,” he said.
The Central Region Trustee seat, like other union leadership positions, will be decided by Branch Executive Committee (BEC) members and pro-rata delegates drawn from all 47 KUPPET branches nationwide during the ADC.
Murigi has appealed for support from delegates across all regions, expressing confidence that collective leadership can strengthen the union and advance the welfare of teachers. “Together, we can strengthen our union and build a future founded on accountable leadership, unity and service,” he said.
By Kithinji Njeru
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