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.
Speaking to the press at a hotel in Murang’a town, the teachers accused the Murang’a Branch Executive Secretary of removing some eligible voters from the register by altering their membership status from ordinary KUPPET members.
One of the aspirants, Thomas Waweru, who is vying 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.
“We strongly object to actions that disenfranchise members from participating in union activities, elections and decision-making,” the statement read.
In the statement, the teachers demanded that the incumbent Executive Secretary halt the unilateral and illegal removal of members from ordinary membership and restore all the affected members to their rightful status without any conditions.
The statement emphasised that the union exists to protect teachers and safeguard members’ rights not to punish or intimidate them.
Another aspirant, Suleiman Salim, called for a free, fair, and credible election, saying they were determined 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, cried foul play, noting that he has taken part in three previous elections before being excluded from the upcoming election.
“My membership fee is deducted as usual but now I have been removed from ordinary membership so I will not be able to vote,” said Gitau.
He accused the incumbent KUPPET Murang’a Branch officials of what he termed as unacceptable and systematic interference with the planned elections.
By Purity Mugo
