Tonui Ejected from KUPPET ADC, Delegates Expelled by Hired Goons.
Confusion overshadowed the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) 26th Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) due to leadership disputes, culminating in the removal of the union’s assistant national treasurer, Ronald Tonui.
The conference unfolded amid growing factionalism, highlighted by ongoing legal battles.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori had earlier sought to deregister Tonui as an official member of the union, a move the latter contested in court.
During the event, individuals reportedly hired by certain factions barred Tonui and Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers from entering the venue, insisting on their right to representation.
Tonui, accompanied by JSS teachers and representatives from Kericho, Tana River, and Laikipia branches, aimed to serve Misori with a court order halting his removal.
He criticized the planned constitutional amendments for bypassing procedural requirements and neglecting members’ rights.
Concerns Over Amendment Process
Tonui raised concerns about the amendment process, noting its lack of public participation at the branch level and limited awareness among members.
He emphasized that the amendments had not received approval from the National Executive Board or the National Governing Council, labeling the process as illegal and pledging to challenge it in court.
Nandi branch Executive Secretary Paul Rotich also attempted to contest the inclusion of amendments in the agenda, but his efforts were overridden, with the majority supporting the agenda.
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KUPPET Chairman Omboko Milemba assured members that the court supported the proposed amendments, acknowledging that union disputes are common but that such changes typically gain majority acceptance.
He expressed gratitude to members for maintaining peace during the conference.
Secretary General Akelo Misori elaborated on the amendments, which aimed to expand representation by introducing positions like first and second assistant national gender secretaries and an assistant national secretary for JSS. Additionally, a framework addressing JSS teachers’ issues was proposed.
Proposed Leadership Nomination Fees
The amendments included an increase in nomination fees for leadership roles: Sh500,000 for national positions such as general secretary, chairman, and treasurer; Sh300,000 for deputy secretary general and similar roles; and lower fees for branch positions.
Misori defended the fee hike as a measure to deter uncommitted candidates, emphasizing the need for dedicated leadership. He stated that the fees were not meant to lock anyone out but to demonstrate candidates’ seriousness and capability.
Tonui countered that while constitutional changes are necessary, they must adhere to proper procedures, including secret ballot voting and the two-thirds rule.
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He condemned the use of hired individuals to exclude members from the meeting, calling it another example of illegality by union officials.
Kericho County Executive Secretary Mary Rotich criticized the expulsion of delegates, asserting that KUPPET must represent the voices of all teachers. She argued that excluding members undermines the union’s constitution and its ability to reflect the majority’s will.
Tonui Ejected from KUPPET ADC, Delegates Expelled by Hired Goons.