Murang’a: Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) aspirants have continued to decry alleged interference by current union officials, claiming that several teachers have been denied their right to vote despite being registered members of the union.
According to Kenya News Agency, the teachers, speaking to the press at a hotel in Murang’a town, accused the Murang’a Branch Executive Secretary of removing some eligible voters from the register by altering their membership status from ordinary KUPPET members. Thomas Waweru, an aspirant for the position of County Executive Secretary, read a joint statement from the candidates demanding that the union adhere to its mandate of championing the welfare of teachers rather than engaging in internal power struggles.
The statement expressed strong objections to actions disenfranchising members from participating in union activities, elections, and decision-making. The teachers demanded that the incumbent Executive Secretary halt the unilateral removal of members from ordinary membership and restore all affected members to their rightful status without any conditions. It emphasized that the union exists to protect teachers and safeguard members’ rights, not to punish or intimidate them.
Suleiman Salim, another aspirant, called for a free, fair, and credible election, expressing determination to resolve the issue to ensure that all registered union members are allowed to participate in the polls. Salim noted that the aspirants would explore all legal avenues to ensure their grievances are addressed and that all eligible teachers get to take part in the election.
Mburu Gitau, a teacher whose ordinary membership fee was changed to an agency fee membership, noted he has participated in three previous elections before being excluded from the upcoming election. He accused the incumbent KUPPET Murang’a Branch officials of unacceptable and systematic interference with the planned elections.
