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Kuppet warns politicians as 61 teachers seek transfers over political tension
Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima(left) and Chairman Omboko Milemba address journalists on June 17, 2026 at the Union offices in Nairobi. The Union has expressed concern that escalating political tensions and insecurity could disrupt learning as schools reopen following recent student unrest.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has warned politicians against making inciting remarks, saying the rhetoric is creating fear among educators, with 61 teachers already seeking transfers over safety concerns.
The union said it had received disturbing reports about the high level of ethnic incitement in Nyandarua County, where rival politicians are campaigning ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election.
Such remarks, the union noted, are being made openly by politicians who appear unconcerned about inter-ethnic harmony as long as their allies secure political power.
“So far, the national office has received 61 letters from teachers seeking transfers due to safety concerns, and this is not common,” said Kuppet Chairman Omboko Milemba.
The concerns come in the wake of similar tensions witnessed earlier this year in Isiolo, where a teacher serving as a deputy principal was killed by bandits while returning home from work.
Mr Milemba called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to reinstate five teachers who were interdicted for failing to report to their duty stations in Isiolo following the incident, noting that the situation was beyond their control.
Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima(left) and Chairman Omboko Milemba address journalists on June 17, 2026 at the Union offices in Nairobi. The Union has expressed concern that escalating political tensions and insecurity could disrupt learning as schools reopen following recent student unrest.
The Ol Kalou seat in Nyandarua County fell vacant following the death of David Kiaraho, who was serving his third term as the area's MP.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially cleared nine candidates to contest the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16.
Rising political temperatures have triggered inflammatory remarks from leaders across the political divide, fuelling anxiety among residents and public servants.
“This has made teachers endlessly call the national office, asking to be evacuated because they fear for their lives, and this is very unfortunate,” said Kuppet Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nturima.
The union urged politicians to exercise restraint, reminding them that freedom of expression does not extend to incitement, hate speech, ethnic discrimination or the vilification of others.
“We are telling the TSC that if politicians in Nyandarua continue on that path, then remove all teachers who are not locals because we do not want them to be killed because of politics,” Mr Milemba said.
The union noted that it was unfortunate that the rising political tensions were emerging just as schools resume after a period of unprecedented student unrest.
“Political leaders are continuing to set the wrong example by inciting Kenyans against their fellow citizens as a means of winning political power,” he said.
Kuppet now wants the police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to act swiftly and hold politicians accountable for hate speech before the situation escalates.
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