By TWV Court Reporter
Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) National Secretary for Tertiary Institutions, Sammy Chelang’a, was on Thursday, 20 November, charged before the Milimani Law Courts with forging union documents.
According to court filings, Mr Chelang’a is accused of forging a letter addressed to National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr Chris Kiptoo, in which he allegedly nominated himself for the position of union trustee. This was despite KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori having formally nominated National Treasurer Mwethi Njenga to the same post. Mr Chelang’a denied the charges and was released on a cash bail of KSh 200,000 or a bond of KSh 500,000.
His arraignment is the latest twist in a long-running internal dispute within KUPPET. During last year’s boardroom confrontation, Mr Chelang’a and another official, who has since been removed from office, were accused of attempting to oust Mr Misori from the leadership. The union subsequently initiated disciplinary proceedings against the trio in October 2023, accusing them of an “attempted coup” and forgery after they opposed several union decisions, including the cancellation of a planned strike.
Mr Chelang’a’s prosecution now casts uncertainty over his prospects ahead of the union elections scheduled for next year.
