Trouble at KUPPET as national officials crack whip on colleagues & branch Executive Secretaries

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against three top officials accused of forgery and an attempt to overthrow the union leadership.

Ronald Tonui (assistant national treasurer), Sammy Chelanga (Secretary for Tertiary Institutions), and Samuel Orwa (the Migori County Executive secretary) were summoned to appear before the KUPPET Disciplinary Committee on October 11.

The officials are facing allegations of authoring and circulating a fake resignation letter for the Secretary General Akello Misori.

Additionally, Tonui is alleged to have undermined the Secretary General’s office by providing false information and attempting to gain control of the union’s finances and instruments of power.

Samuel Orwa, the Executive Secretary of the KUPPET Migori Branch, is also facing similar charges of authoring and circulating the fake resignation letter and undermining the Secretary-General.

The accused officials will have the opportunity to present their case and call witnesses during the disciplinary hearing. The outcome of the proceedings could have significant implications for the leadership and stability of the union. resignation letter of the Secretary-General, promoting division within the union, and sabotaging the office’s operations.

2026 Kuppet elections fever

The intrigues in Kuppet are just a tip of the iceberg. For instance, there are serious factions mostly at the National Executive Board (NEB). The National Treasurer Njenga Mwethi has broken ranks with his deputy Tonui who is rumoured to be eyeing the Secretary General’s seat. On Tonui’s lineup is the National Secretary Secondary Edward Obwocha, National Vice Chair Julius Korir and the National Tertiary Secretary Sammy Chelang’a.

Attempts to alter the constitution through equitable representation by branches (Prorata) were thwarted by the Tonui led faction.