By SANDRA MULOMI
Daggers are now drawn in KUPPET leadership after Assistant National Treasurer Ronald Tonui declared his candidacy for Secretary-General, challenging the incumbent Akello Misori ahead of the union’s national elections.
Speaking to newly elected KUPPET Bomet branch officials, Tonui positioned himself as a reformist, pledging to defend teachers’ welfare and restore effective, responsive leadership within the union.
“I have made a firm decision to offer myself for the position of Secretary-General,” Tonui said, urging teachers nationwide to support what he called a “new chapter” for KUPPET.
His announcement carried a sharp critique of Misori’s tenure, which he accused of drifting away from the union’s core mandate. Tonui argued that KUPPET must refocus on improving working conditions, pushing for better pay, and safeguarding the professional dignity of teachers.
He criticised the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which saw teachers receive a salary increment of Sh 380 to Sh 1,500, calling it largely symbolic and imposed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). “Despite heavy workloads, teachers remain the least paid professionals in the country,” he said. Tonui also promised to make Junior Secondary Schools autonomous, with principals delinked from primary schools.
The declaration taps into simmering discontent among KUPPET members over delayed promotions, stagnating salaries, and perceived weak representation in government negotiations. Tonui pledged a more assertive approach if elected: “My focus will be on ensuring that teachers are heard and their concerns addressed decisively. We must move from promises to action.”
He outlined plans for meaningful salary increases, timely implementation of CBAs, and stronger engagement between leadership and members. Emphasising union independence, Tonui said, “We need a union that speaks truth to power and stands firmly with its members. KUPPET must reclaim its strength and credibility.” He also called for unity among teachers, urging them to focus on the future of the union rather than internal divisions.
Tonui’s criticism signals the likelihood of a bruising contest, as candidates articulate visions amid growing demands for accountability and change.
Expressing confidence, he said he is prepared to offer transformative leadership prioritising teacher welfare and strengthening KUPPET’s national voice: “The time has come for a new direction. Together, we can build a KUPPET that truly works for every teacher.”
He also raised concerns over the recently held Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) elections, where Francis Atwoli was re-elected Secretary-General for a fifth consecutive term. Tonui described the elections as irregular, pointing out that union polls did not follow the timeline stipulated by the Registrar of Trade Unions.
He warned against leaders remaining in office indefinitely, underlining the need for leadership change across trade unions.
