Besieged Kuppet Boss Akello Misori Holds New Meeting Amid Strike Backlash
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) faces a leadership crisis as internal divisions grow over the recent decision to cancel a national strike. Akello Misori, KUPPET’s Secretary-General, has called for a National Governing Council (NGC) meeting to address the uproar after the abrupt end of a planned week-long strike. Teachers and union officials are demanding answers from the National Executive Board (NEB) over what they see as a betrayal of their efforts to improve working conditions.
The fallout stems from the NEB’s decision to call off a strike that had been approved by the NGC. Many branch leaders and teachers feel blindsided, leading to widespread discontent. Several branch officials have publicly voiced their frustration, accusing the NEB of undermining their cause. Misori, in an internal memo to members, acknowledged the criticism but urged patience. He assured members that the upcoming NGC meeting would be an opportunity to address their grievances and bring clarity to the situation.
The union postponed the NGC meeting, originally set for this week, due to the bereavement of Chairman Omboko Milemba. They now plan to hold it in the coming days.
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Several KUPPET branch leaders have expressed deep disappointment with the strike’s abrupt end, accusing the NEB of mishandling negotiations with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). They argue that the decision to end the strike without a formal return-to-work formula undermined the teachers’ collective effort to push for better working conditions. Consequently. some officials, including Catherine Wambilianga, Ronald Tonui, Edward Obwocha, and Sammy Chelanga, have openly opposed the NEB’s actions.
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Tonui, the Deputy Treasurer, revealed that key NEB members were excluded from critical meetings with the TSC. He shared his frustrations over the lack of transparency, claiming that a proper return-to-work agreement had not been reached. In addition, Obwocha echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the agreement signed was merely a press statement and not a legally binding document to protect the teachers’ rights.
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Branch officials across the country are now calling for a detailed explanation from the NEB. They believe the decision to end the strike not only weakens their fight for justice but also threatens the union’s credibility. Prominent officials like Orwa Jasolo, Justus Kimeu, Moses Kimwere, and William Lengoyiap have voiced their dissatisfaction, holding Misori accountable for what they describe as a gross misjudgment of the situation.
The union initially called the strike to address several critical issues, including securing permanent contracts for 46,000 intern teachers, implementing the second phase of the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and improving teachers’ medical cover. The TSC confirmed that it would release funds for the CBA starting in July 2024, but many teachers believe the NEB has lost momentum in pushing for these improvements.
As tensions rise within KUPPET, the upcoming NGC meeting plays a crucial role in determining the union’s future direction. The teachers’ strike, which aimed to secure better working conditions, now tests the union’s leadership and integrity. Misori faces the challenge of restoring unity and trust. As a result, one thing is clear: teachers demand answers, and KUPPET’s next steps will lead to lasting consequences.
Besieged Kuppet Boss Akello Misori Holds New Meeting Amid Strike Backlash
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