KEWOTA hits back at exposé, denies financial impropriety

KEWOTA chairlady Modesta Akaki and CEO Benter Opande address the media during a press briefing at Panafric hotel, Nairobi on April 14, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI

The Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) has dismissed allegations of financial impropriety and nepotism raised in a recent media exposé, terming the claims as malicious and false.

Addressing a press conference, KEWOTA chairperson Modesta Akaki said the report presented a distorted narrative that failed to capture the full and accurate context of the matters raised.

“The exposé presents a narrative that is not only misleading but also fails to capture the full and accurate context of the matters discussed,” Akaki said.

The media report had accused officials within the association of hiring relatives and facilitating corruption, claims that KEWOTA now insists are entirely unfounded.

“Firstly, we wish to state, without fear of contradiction whatsoever, that the allegations propagated therein are not only baseless but are a calculated fabrication, orchestrated with reckless disregard for truth, professional ethics, and the law,” Akaki said.

She further revealed that the individual behind the claims had allegedly admitted in writing that the assertions were unverified and misleading.

“Notably, the principal architect of these claims has since formally admitted-in writing-that his assertions were unverified, misleading, and actuated by malice aforethought. This admission alone irredeemably collapses the credibility of the entire broadcast,” she added.

Akaki defended KEWOTA’s track record, noting that the association has for years played a critical role in promoting the welfare, professional development, and rights of women teachers across the country.

“KEWOTA is a well-established organisation with a longstanding mandate of advancing the welfare, professional development, and rights of women teachers across Kenya,” she said. “Its programs and initiatives have consistently contributed to capacity building, mentorship, and advocacy within the education sector.”

She warned that unsubstantiated allegations risk eroding public trust in institutions that play an important societal role.

“Any attempt to discredit such contributions without substantiated evidence risks misleading the public and eroding trust in institutions that play a critical societal role,” Akaki said.

The chairperson emphasised that any concerns regarding governance or financial management should be addressed through proper legal and institutional channels rather than through public accusations.

“Where concerns may exist regarding governance, financial management, or operational conduct, such matters ought to be addressed through the appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms,” she said. “Public airing of allegations without due process not only prejudices the organization but may also amount to defamation if the claims are found to be unfounded.”

KEWOTA described the exposé as a deliberate attempt to tarnish its image and undermine its leadership.

“We view this as a deliberate and malicious stratagem intended to tarnish our reputation, undermine our leadership, and erode public confidence in our operations. Such conduct is not only reprehensible but legally actionable,” Akaki said.

The association has since escalated the matter to investigative authorities, petitioning the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch a comprehensive probe into those behind the allegations.

“Accordingly, KEWOTA has formally petitioned the DCI to institute immediate and thorough investigations into all individuals and entities complicit in this defamatory scheme,” she said.

In addition, the organisation has instructed its legal team to pursue civil action against those responsible.