The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), Homa Bay County branch, has assured teachers of a peaceful, free, and fair election ahead of the county polls scheduled for Sunday.
Speaking during a reconnaissance visit to Tom Mboya University, the County Executive Secretary, Steven Yogo, said the exercise was aimed at ensuring all logistical and security arrangements were in place to oversee the polls.
Yogo noted that the union held a consultative meeting with all 37 candidates, during which they unanimously agreed to uphold peace throughout the electoral process.
“We have agreed as candidates that the election will be peaceful. I urge all candidates to ensure their supporters maintain peace. As teachers, we believe in dialogue and peaceful engagement, even during strikes,” he said.
The Executive Secretary emphasized that every teacher has a democratic right to vote freely for a candidate of their choice and reiterated the union’s commitment to protecting those rights.
Yogo added that the university management has approved the use of its facilities for the election.
The unionist further disclosed that following a meeting with the University Vice Chancellor Prof. Charles Ocholla, the facility issued clear guidelines including barring of buses and vehicles from entering the campus during the polls by conducting voter verification at the gate to enhance order and security.
“As the current Executive Secretary, my track record is visible. I humbly appeal to teachers to re-elect me so that we can continue strengthening KUPPET in Homa Bay,” he pleaded.
Yogo outlined key agenda items the union will continue to pursue, including agitation for teachers’ welfare, review of the existing CBA, implementation of the Career Progression Guidelines review, autonomy or streamlining of administration for Junior Secondary Schools and plans to establish a KUPPET Plaza in Homa Bay, which he said would be a pride for teachers.
Also addressing the press, Ben Ogwop, a candidate for the KUPPET Homa Bay County Chairperson position, said the reconnaissance visit underscored the principle that elections are a process, not a one-day event.
“We wanted to ensure all pre-election requirements are addressed, so that teachers come on Sunday with one purpose to vote without delays or disruptions,” Ogwop said.
He urged KUPPET members to turn out in large numbers to reclaim ownership of the union, noting that members’ dues have built the union and should not be controlled by a few individuals.
“The mandate of KUPPET is to promote policies that advance the teaching profession. We call on members to participate fully, so the union remains in the hands of its members,” he added.
Both leaders assured teachers that adequate security measures will be in place to prevent chaos and called on all candidates to refrain from actions that could incite violence.
“We want to assure all teachers in Homa Bay that we are committed to a peaceful, transparent and credible election. All candidates will be treated fairly,” Yogo said.
By Sitna Omar
