The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) is facing unprecedented leadership turmoil ahead of its Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) scheduled for December 20, 2024, at Sosa Cottage in Vihiga County. The latest twist in the saga involves a demand for the de-registration of Ronald Tonui from the union’s Register of officials by the Secretary-General, Akelo Misori. This move has sparked heated debates among union members and significant divisions among delegates.
Allegations and Counterclaims
In a letter dated November 7, 2024, addressed to the Registrar of Trade Unions, Akelo Misori accuses Tonui of irregular service in his role as the National Assistant Treasurer. Misori’s claims are grounded in his assertion that the union cannot produce proof that Tonui was re-elected into office. According to Misori, the union’s records show that Tonui was barred from participating in elections by the Employment and Labour Relations Court. This, Misori argues, left the position vacant, and the union cannot substantiate his re-election in subsequent union records.
Misori’s letter further contends that Tonui’s appointment as Delegate for re-election was based on his registration on July 14, 2018. The Secretary-General points out that Tonui failed to provide evidence of his election on that date or a court order reinstating him to his position after being barred from elections. This demand for de-registration is not just a procedural matter but a deeply political maneuver, according to insiders.
Division Among Delegates
The demand for Tonui’s removal has not only divided KUPPET but also highlighted a significant factionalism within the union. As the ADC approaches, insiders believe that this is an attempt by Misori to weaken Tonui’s influence within the union, especially as the 2026 union elections loom large. Tonui is seen by many as a potential successor to Misori, which makes the de-registration demand a direct challenge to his leadership and an effort to consolidate power ahead of the next election cycle.
The situation is complicated further by claims that Tonui was accused of forging a resignation letter for Misori shortly after an August strike. This accusation remains in court, and it has been a source of significant tension within the union. The outcome of this legal matter could have far-reaching implications for both Tonui and the broader union leadership.
Impact on the ADC and Union Unity
The ADC, a critical annual event for KUPPET, is now likely to be dominated by discussions of leadership wrangles rather than educational or policy matters. The division among delegates has reached such a level that some members feel that unity within the union is at stake. The disputes over Tonui’s position and the legitimacy of his office have also raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the union’s internal processes, especially in light of the online voting format used during the 2021 union elections due to COVID-19 restrictions.
As delegates prepare for the ADC, the tension is palpable, and there is a sense of uncertainty about how the union will move forward. The upcoming conference could be a turning point for KUPPET, either reinforcing Misori’s leadership or setting the stage for a power shift. The demand for Tonui’s de-registration is more than a bureaucratic action; it represents the deeper political currents within KUPPET and the stakes involved in maintaining control of the union.
Conclusion
The leadership wrangles in KUPPET underscore the challenges faced by education unions in Kenya as they navigate internal disputes amidst broader political and economic pressures. The upcoming ADC will be critical in determining the future direction of the union and the role of its leadership. As Misori and Tonui face off, the fate of KUPPET may well hinge on the outcome of this battle over legitimacy and control. The union’s ability to address these internal divisions effectively will likely shape its influence and effectiveness in advocating for teachers’ rights in the years to come.
