Homa Bay KUPPET Polls Stopped After Ballot Burning

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) elections were aborted after violence erupted in Homabay County.
Moreover, officials suspended the exercise midway after ballot boxes were destroyed by unknown attackers.

Chaos at Polling Centre
On January 12, a group stormed the polling centre and set ballot boxes ablaze.
Additionally, teachers fled the venue in search of safety as voting irregularities emerged.

County executive secretary Steven Yogo claimed attackers were hired by certain candidates to disrupt the elections.

Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
Yogo alleged some teachers voted more than once by removing ink marks applied after casting ballots.
Furthermore, he insisted the chaos violated electoral laws and undermined democratic processes.
Candidates complained their grievances about malpractice were ignored despite raising concerns earlier in the day.

Candidates Express Frustration
Several candidates lamented heavy investments in the polls, only for the exercise to collapse.
Moreover, they stressed that democracy within the union requires free and fair elections.

One candidate vowed not to give up, emphasizing the need for change and accountability.
They blamed the labour office overseeing the elections for failing to prevent chaos.

Next Steps for KUPPET
The union now awaits guidance from its national electoral board on the way forward.
Additionally, candidates demanded fresh elections to restore credibility and fairness in the process.

KUPPET branch elections have faced violent disruptions in several counties, though others proceeded peacefully.
Meanwhile, Baringo County is expected to conduct its polls on January 31.

Ultimately, the union’s leadership crisis highlights the urgent need for transparent electoral reforms.