The Kisumu branch of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) witnessed a historic and highly competitive election, marking a new era of leadership for the 2026–2031 term.

The polls, conducted under tight supervision, saw a remarkable surge of women leaders securing top seats, signaling a shift towards inclusivity and gender balance within the union’s county leadership.

In a stunning upset, long-serving Executive Secretary Zablon Awange, who has been at the helm for years, was convincingly dethroned by George Osura, who garnered 1,965 votes against Awange’s 557, with Chris Masai trailing at 86.

Osura’s victory, described by many as a “vote for change and fresh energy,” reflects growing calls for reform and greater engagement with teachers across the county.

In the Chairman’s race, Onyando Ogaja narrowly triumphed with 1,281 votes, edging out Peter Oyombe, who secured 1,137, while Carol Awili managed 254. Ogaja’s leadership is expected to focus on unity and revitalizing teacher welfare initiatives.

The Treasurer’s position was another tight contest, ultimately won by Dorice Adhiambo with 1,255 votes, defeating Sheryl Achieng who got 1,044, and William Onywera with 323.

Dorice’s victory further cemented the growing influence of women in the union’s financial management roles.

In the Assistant Executive Secretary category, James Odiwuor emerged victorious with 1,600 votes against James Ali’s 997, while John Mark took the Vice Chair seat with 1,100 votes, beating Felix Oloo (849) and Jenice Audi (516).

The Vice Treasurer’s contest went to Simon Atito with a commanding 1,657 votes against Collins Odemba’s 921, consolidating his reputation as a trusted financial administrator among the teaching fraternity.

For Secretary, Secondary Education, Cavin Obuoyo triumphed with 1,007 votes, narrowly edging Joseph Athiende (837) and Pancras Gundo (756).

The position will be key in addressing secondary school teachers’ emerging concerns under the competency-based curriculum.

In the Gender Secretary category, Elizabeth Akoo won emphatically with 1,656 votes against Jacky Agoch’s 524, reinforcing the women’s strong performance across the elections.

The Assistant Secretary, Gender, seat was clinched by Nancy Obao, who secured 1,969 votes, while her competitor Kerina Olang did not submit a final tally by press time.

The Organization Secretary slot saw a landslide win for Chrispin Ogalo, who polled 1,876 votes, leaving Wycliff Okumu far behind with 637.

Ogalo’s coordination and mobilization skills are expected to play a crucial role in rebuilding the union’s grassroots structures.

For the Secretary in charge of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD), Irine Hawi narrowly beat Lawrence Roberts by just 11 votes, 1,104 against 1,093, while Beatrice Orwa came third with 403 votes. The slim margin reflected one of the closest contests of the day.

The Secretary for Tertiary Institutions position went to Jacqueline India, who secured 1,549 votes, outpacing Margaretta Aluoch with 1,044.

Similarly, Winnie Awuor won the Secretary, Youth and Gender post with 1,511 votes, beating Prisca Achieng (1,064).

In the Junior Secondary (JS) Secretary race, George Okeyo emerged the winner with 1,256 votes, while Sara Opere and Fred Musina followed with 678 and 660 respectively.

The outcome of the Kisumu KUPPET elections reflected both change and continuity, a generational transition led by a fresh crop of leaders committed to rejuvenating the teachers’ movement.

Observers noted that women’s impressive performance, capturing several top-tier offices including Treasurer, Gender Secretary and Assistant Gender Secretary, marks a turning point for the union’s internal democracy.

With the elections now concluded, attention shifts to how the new team will address long-standing challenges such as teachers’ welfare, workload balance under CBC and industrial harmony between the union and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

As the new officials prepare to assume office, Kisumu teachers are hopeful for a more responsive, inclusive and action-oriented leadership that will amplify their voices at both county and national levels.