Teachers in Tharaka Nithi County have voted out the long-serving Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Executive Secretary Patrick Gitonga, ending his 28-year tenure and ushering in a new leadership team headed by classroom teacher James Njebiu.
Mr Njebiu, who teaches at Ikuu Boys’ High School, won the closely contested race in an election that members said signalled deep dissatisfaction within the union’s ranks.
The new county KUPPET team will be led by Mr Njebiu as Executive Secretary.
Other officials elected are Chairman Misiani Mambo, Treasurer Polly Nyamu, Assistant Executive Secretary Micheni Mbaka, Assistant Treasurer Mwenda Mbaka, Organising Secretary Eric Munene, Secondary Schools Secretary Gitonga Kiganka, Tertiary Institutions Secretary Immaculate Nthiga, Gender Secretary Sarah Muchoki and Junior Secondary School Secretary Gilbert Kithinji.
Several teachers who took part in the vote linked Mr Gitonga’s defeat to his handling of a prolonged dispute involving Joan Muchina, the embattled Chief Principal of St. Bakhita Chuka Girls High School.
The row dates back to last year when Mr Gitonga led a section of teachers in protests at the school, accusing Ms Muchina of defying a strike called by Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers.
The demonstrations turned chaotic after students reportedly forced open the main gate and spilled into Chuka town.
Mr Gitonga accused the principal of mistreating staff and mismanaging students, claims that triggered protests by parents at the county offices of the Teachers Service Commission and at the school.
The TSC later directed Ms Muchina to step aside to pave the way for investigations, with her deputy taking over in an acting capacity.
However, some teachers now say the union’s approach to the dispute was mishandled and cost Mr Gitonga critical support.
“We were disappointed by the manner in which Mr Gitonga handled Mrs Muchina. That was not the best because most of the accusations were false,” said a teacher at St. Bakhita Chuka Girls High School who sought anonymity for fear of reprisals.
Lucy Waithira, a teacher from Tharaka North Sub-County, described the outcome as a generational shift in the county’s union leadership.
“It was time for change. Gitonga has already retired after attaining 60 years. A retiree cannot adequately address the needs of teachers because some of the policies do not affect him directly,” she said.
“We cannot be led by a person who has retired because his only interest is the pay and not the interest of teachers,” she added.
Ms Muchina has consistently denied the allegations levelled against her, describing them as malicious and driven by personal interests.
She has urged the TSC to consider her performance record in previous stations.
“I am innocent. My accusers are people fueled by personal interests, some of them related to procurement matters,” she said in a recent statement.
Ms Muchina was transferred to St. Bakhita Chuka Girls High School in 2023, a move that sources say faced resistance from sections of local leaders, union officials and the school sponsor, the Catholic Diocese of Meru.
Before the transfer, she served as principal of Mwaani Girls High School from 2018 for five years and seven months.
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During her tenure, the school’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education mean score rose from 5.0 to 7.2, while enrolment increased from 770 to 1,380 students.
The school also registered improvements in co-curricular activities, with its drama and choral verse teams advancing to national competitions.
Infrastructure projects included construction of additional classrooms and dormitories, renovations and installation of a modern gate.
Mwaani Girls was recognised as the cleanest school in the Eastern Region, an award presented by then Regional Director of Education Dr William Sugut.
Former deputy principal Anne Boore previously described Ms Muchina as firm but results-oriented, crediting her leadership with improved discipline and academic performance.
The transition marks a significant shift in the leadership of KUPPET in Tharaka Nithi, with members signalling expectations of a new approach to union affairs.
Edited by John Majau
