KUPPET Leadership Wrangles: Officials Ejected from Chaotic Teachers’ AGM.
The Laikipia branch’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) descended into chaos, leading to the ejection of national treasurer Wicks Mwethi Njenga.
The meeting, held at Thingitu Boys Secondary School, was disrupted by leadership disputes within the union. Riot police were called in to restore order after tensions flared, marking yet another incident of internal wrangling.
Attendees accused Mr. Njenga of meddling in the branch’s leadership affairs while representing national Secretary-General Akello Misori.
Supporters of branch secretary Robert Miano expelled Mr. Njenga, claiming he backed gender secretary Hellen Githui’s bid to unseat Mr. Miano in the 2026 elections.
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On Monday, Mr. Njenga acknowledged the discord, attributing it to leadership struggles among members of the National Executive Council (NEC).
He alleged that some NEC members financed groups to disrupt his address and claimed that many hecklers were not union members.
Financial Oversight Disputes
Mr. Njenga emphasized his duty to audit the branch’s Burial and Benevolent Fund (BBF), to which members contribute monthly.
He revealed changes to account signatories, authorizing Ms. Githui to manage the funds. He called for branch officials to appear before the local labour office for account audits.
In a letter dated August 6, 2024, Mr. Njenga accused the branch leadership of misappropriating BBF funds and suspended the accounts of the branch secretary, chairperson, and treasurer.
He cited articles of the union constitution and the Labour Relations Act of 2007 to justify his actions.
Branch secretary Robert Miano dismissed Mr. Njenga’s claims, accusing him of undermining the branch leadership and introducing divisive politics.
He denied any irregularities with the BBF accounts, asserting that the national office was using divide-and-rule tactics to destabilize the branch.
Context of Broader KUPPET Politics
The turmoil in Laikipia follows a meeting between key national KUPPET officials and President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi.
Among those present were Chairman Omboko Milemba, Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga, Vice-Chairman Julius Korir, and others, including Mr. Misori and Mr. Njenga.
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However, notable officials like Deputy National Treasurer Ronald Tonui and Secretary for Secondary Schools Edward Obwocha were excluded, reflecting ongoing divisions within the union.
This incident highlights the intensifying internal power struggles within KUPPET, raising concerns about the union’s stability as it navigates leadership disputes at both national and branch levels.
KUPPET Leadership Wrangles: Officials Ejected from Chaotic Teachers’ AGM.
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