Kuppet Narok branch polls fail to take off over violence fears

Narok Central police Commander  Benson Pemba speaking after the KUPPET polls were disrupted in Narok county/HANDOUT

Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Narok branch elections failed to take off due to fears of insecurity and procedural violations that led to the cancellation of the exercise.

The polls at Ole Tipis Girls High School in Narok town on Sunday and had started peacefully as teachers streamed in from different parts of the county to cast their votes.

However, the situation quickly deteriorated when a group of individuals forced their way through the main gate after overpowering security officers, raising fears over the safety of voters, officials and election materials.

Narok Central police commander Benson Pemba, who arrived at the venue alongside Returning Officer Rebecca Koskei and anti-riot police officers, said the disruption posed a major risk and left election managers with no option but to halt the process.

Key positions up for grabs included executive secretary, treasurer and chairperson.

Current executive secretary Charles Ngeno is facing a stiff challenge from Saruni Tasur while Seela Kuluo sought to retain the Treasurer’s seat. Branch chairperson Samson Soit was also defending his position and is facing stiff competition from Kipkoech Chepkwony.

Police moved swiftly to restore order, arresting several suspects accused of inciting the chaos.

All ballot boxes and election materials were later transferred to Narok police station for safe custody as investigations continue.

Kuppet elections are conducted every five years and the union’s national office is now expected to give direction on when and how the Narok branch polls will be concluded.

Ngeno assured the polls would still take place so that members have a chance to elect union leaders of their choice. He said they would work with security teams to ensure safety of teachers during a repeat of the exercise.

Kuppet national official Julius Korir said elections for the union had gone on well in most areas with members voting for officials of their choice.

“From reports we have received, the exercise has gone on smoothly in most branches countrywide and we expect all returns at the headquarters,” Korir said.

He said the union would deal with a few areas where there had been challenges leading to cancellation of the elections. “The polls which are aimed at strengthening our union have largely gone on well in most areas and we expect that Kuppet will be stronger,” Korir said.

Korir said the union had a strong resolve to continue fighting for the welfare and rights of its members who are teachers in the country.