Teachers across Kakamega County are preparing to elect their Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Kakamega Branch officials in polls scheduled for Saturday, 24th January, at Malava Boys Secondary School. The elections are being conducted at county (branch) level, as provided for in the KUPPET constitution. Successful candidates will represent teachers in negotiations and champion their grievances under the union slogan
To participate in the voting exercise, eligible members will be required to present a latest payslip and a National Identification Card.
As the election date approaches, candidates have intensified campaigns across the county to popularize their agendas and woo voters. While some contestants have formed alliances to consolidate support in their strongholds, others are running as independents, pledging to pursue their ambitions independently.
One of the most visible alliances is Team Wabuti, led by Executive Secretary aspirant Johnstone Wabuti. The team is campaigning on a platform of transformative leadership, with members traversing the county to engage teachers. They have criticized the previous leadership, accusing it of failing to address teachers’ concerns and prioritizing personal interests over members’ welfare. Team Wabuti maintains that it is well-prepared to deliver responsive leadership that will effectively articulate and present teachers’ grievances.
Among the standout candidates in the team is Wilbroda Shinanda, who is contesting for the position of Vice Chairperson, KUPPET Kakamega Branch (County) Widely regarded as a favorite among teachers, Shinanda Wilbroda “Sauti ya walimu” has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a clear grasp of the responsibilities of office. Many teachers have encouraged her to vie for higher positions in the future, including Chairperson or Executive Secretary, and ultimately seek regional or national leadership within KUPPET.
Shinanda rose to prominence in August 2025 after boldly articulating teachers’ concerns before Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other government officials at Tande Secondary School. Her firm stance on protecting teachers’ welfare including criticism of what she termed minimal salary increments by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)has resonated widely with educators.
“Shinanda listens to our views. I am an independent voter and will not vote strictly as a team, but I will support candidates who have shown genuine commitment to teachers’ welfare,” said a teacher during an AGM at Tande.
Her popularity continues to grow, driven by her passion and fearless advocacy for teachers’ rights.
Members of Team Wabuti include:
Latiff (Assistant Executive Secretary), Livanze (Chairperson), Wilbroda Shinanda (Vice Chairperson), Dama (Treasurer), Mercy Galo (Vice Treasurer), Joy Musungu (Gender Secretary), Lucy Lumiti (Assistant Gender Secretary), I. Cavine (Organizing Secretary), Ben Wechuli (Secretary, Secondary), Festus (Secretary, Tertiary), Chisira Samwel Namayi (3rd Assistant Secretary, Gender/Youth), Ombango Joseph (2nd Assistant Secretary, Gender/Special Needs) and Kennedy Wandia (JSS Secretary).
However, the race has become more competitive following the entry of The New Action Team, led by Executive Secretary aspirant Harrison Otota. The team has fielded strong candidates, including Peter Lubanga for Treasurer and Moses Musungu, among others.
A notable member of the New Action Team is Jeremiah Anekaya, who is vying for Assistant Executive Secretary. Anekaya has attracted significant support due to his eloquence and long-standing role as a vocal advocate for teachers even before declaring his candidacy. He is banking on strong backing from Malava, Lugari, and Shinyalu blocs.
Members of The New Action Team include:
Peter Lubanga (Treasurer), Patrick Shiketi (Chairperson), Jeremiah Anekaya (Assistant Executive Secretary), Mark Wanyonyi (Vice Chairperson), Moses Musungu (Organising Secretary), Noel Masitsa (Gender Secretary), Steve Mmbaka (Secretary, Secondary), Dorcas Chausiku (Secretary, Tertiary), Aisha Mukoya (1st Assistant Secretary, Women), Naftali Khainga (2nd Assistant Secretary, Gender/PLWD), Elvis Masidza (3rd Assistant Secretary, Gender/Youth), and Wesley Ambane (JSS Secretary).
Several candidates are also contesting as independents. Quinto Omusugu is vying for Treasurer, while Emmanuel Wandera, popularly known as Professor, is running on a youth empowerment platform, calling for accountability and transparency. He has urged senior secondary teachers to allow junior secondary teachers to occupy youth representative positions.
Valary Oyare, the only female independent candidate vying for the youth representative position, has appealed to teachers to exercise their democratic right responsibly and vote wisely.
As the Saturday, 24th January voting day draws near, attention remains firmly fixed on Team Wabuti, The New Action Team, and independent candidates—all seeking to secure seats and represent teachers’ welfare effectively.
According to the KUPPET constitution, union officials are elected every five years through a secret ballot—at special delegates’ conferences for national officials and at branch general assemblies for county branches. Only members who are up to date with their subscriptions are eligible to vote. Branch elections are conducted before national polls and are supervised by government labour officers, with oversight from the National Executive Board to ensure compliance with the union constitution. Valid members from secondary schools and tertiary institutions are eligible to participate in the voting process