The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has raised concerns over the continued listing of Mr. Ronald Kiprotich Tonui as the Assistant National Treasurer. In a letter dated November 7, 2024, addressed to the Registrar of Trade Unions, KUPPET alleges that Mr. Tonui has been serving in the position irregularly, with no verifiable evidence of his re-election after his initial tenure ended in 2011.
Irregular Election Records Unearthed
According to KUPPET’s Secretary General, Akelo Misori, Mr. Tonui was barred by the Employment and Labour Relations Court from participating in union elections in 2016. Consequently, the position of Assistant National Treasurer remained vacant. However, records show that Mr. Tonui’s name was mysteriously added to the union’s official register on July 14, 2018, a date for which there is no proof of elections being conducted.
Misori also noted that the alleged registration in 2018 qualified Mr. Tonui to contest for re-election in 2021, raising questions about the legitimacy of his current position. Attempts by KUPPET to obtain evidence of his re-election or a court order reinstating him to the position have been unsuccessful.
Union Seeks Immediate Action
In the letter, KUPPET has urged the Registrar of Trade Unions to remove Mr. Tonui from the union’s official register. Misori emphasized the union’s commitment to upholding transparency and integrity, stating, “We hereby demand that you strike Mr. Tonui off the Register of KUPPET officials with immediate effect.”
The communication also highlights past correspondences sent to Mr. Tonui, which reportedly went unanswered, further compounding the union’s frustrations.
Implications for Union Leadership
The controversy surrounding Mr. Tonui’s tenure raises critical concerns about governance and election oversight within KUPPET. Stakeholders are keenly watching how the Registrar of Trade Unions will handle this case, as it could set a precedent for addressing similar disputes in labor unions across Kenya.
For now, KUPPET remains firm in its resolve to maintain service justice and integrity within its ranks. The Registrar of Trade Unions is expected to act on the matter expeditiously to restore order within the union’s leadership structure.
