The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nyeri has nullified the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Laikipia Branch elections held on 28th February 2026 at Wiyumiririe Secondary School grounds.
In a ruling delivered on 15th May 2026, the court found that the elections were marred by serious irregularities, lack of transparency, and voter manipulation, rendering the outcome unreliable and lacking credibility.
The court ruled that all teachers paying either union dues or agency fees had a constitutional right to participate in union elections. The judge noted that there was no evidence showing that the affected teachers had withdrawn from union membership, making their exclusion unlawful.
The court also faulted the voter verification process, noting that the voter register was allegedly introduced on the morning of the election without giving candidates and agents adequate time for proper verification. According to the ruling, the electoral process itself must be transparent and accountable.
Further concerns arose after evidence showed that some individuals were recorded as having voted despite being absent during the elections. Affidavits presented before the court included one from a teacher on maternity leave and another from a teacher who had been admitted to a hospital in Eldoret on election day.
READ ALSO: Court halts registration of KUPPET Laikipia officials after election dispute
Consequently, the court declared the elections irregular, nullified the results, ordered the updating of the voter register, and directed that fresh elections be conducted within 60 days.
The ruling is expected to influence future union elections by emphasising fairness, transparency, and the democratic rights of all members.
By our reporter
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