Yvonne Musyoka Makes History, Defeats Long-Serving Musembi Katuku in Machakos KUPPET Elections

In a landmark development for Machakos teachers, Yvonne Musyoka was yesterday elected as the new Executive Secretary of KUPPET Machakos, ending the era of long-serving leader Musembi Katuku. The results, announced yesterday, saw Yvonne Musyoka secure a decisive victory with 2,128 votes, overwhelming Katuku who garnered only 958 votes.

The outcome reflects a clear desire among teachers for change, with Yvonne Musyoka campaigning on a platform emphasizing inclusive leadership, improved remuneration, and robust defense of teachers’ rights. Her victory has been widely welcomed by members who view it as a fresh start for the union.

“I am deeply honored by the trust teachers have placed in me. My team and I are committed to ensuring fair representation for all educators, defending their rights, and promoting unity and progress within the union,” Musyoka said following her victory.

Katuku, who has been at the helm of Machakos KUPPET for several years, was seen as representing continuity and the existing leadership structure. However, teachers’ overwhelming support for Musyoka signals a shift toward reform and renewed energy within the union.

Yvonne Musyoka’s team, now set to lead Machakos KUPPET, is composed of:

Executive Secretary: Yvonne Musyoka

Chairperson: Martin Mutisya

Treasurer: Justus Nziuko

Assistant Executive Secretary: Meshack Nzaku

Vice Chairperson: Martin Kawinzi

Organising Secretary: Matthew Mutuku

Assistant Treasurer: Joel Kilonzi

Junior Secondary Secretary: Bonface Sila

Gender Secretary: Caroline Mbithi

Gender Representative I: Mercy Muthusi

Gender Representative II: Stella Musau

Third Gender Representative: Evarline Keli

Tertiary Education Secretary: Ngunga

Secondary Education Secretary: Dominic Ndua

Observers note that this leadership change could mark a transformative period for Machakos KUPPET, with a focus on advocacy for teachers’ welfare, transparency, and progressive reforms. Teachers have expressed optimism that the new leadership will address longstanding concerns, particularly around pay, representation, and professional development opportunities.

Yvonne Musyoka’s historic victory not only ends Katuku’s long tenure but also positions her as one of the prominent female leaders in the Kenyan teachers’ union landscape, setting a precedent for inclusivity and generational change in educational leadership.