Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Siaya Executive Secretary Sam Opondo has dismissed assertions that he feels threatened by rivals seeking to unseat him in the union’s February 2026 elections.

Speaking at his Siaya office on January 6, 2025, while receiving nomination papers from aspirants, Opondo said threats from rival camps had not unsettled him.

“I’ve worked well for teachers in the two terms and know how to play my cards, and those whom we have touched in their lives with the services will not abandon us at the ballot,” Opondo said.

He noted that at least 30 candidates had submitted nomination papers to contest various KUPPET positions in the county, insisting he was confident of retaining his seat.

“I am not worried. I have worked well, and I am sure I’ll be re-elected,” he added.

Opondo said teachers in Siaya have a lot of respect for the team he leads, dismissing claims that a reform agenda posed a threat to his administration.

“We are a strong team, and we shall emerge victorious in broad daylight,” he said.

Looking ahead to the polls scheduled for February 7, 2026, Opondo said mental wellness would be a key priority if re-elected, citing growing emotional and psychological strain among teachers.

“Mental problems are a major challenge among our teachers. As Kuppet, we are going to look into initiatives that would address it. Teachers’ health would be my priority. We are going to invest in the mental wellness of our teachers. We shall have a full-time counsellor who will be available to any teacher suffering mental problems,” Opondo stated.

“Our teachers face immense emotional and psychological pressure that often goes unnoticed, leading to burnout, stress, and depression. As educators, we dedicate our lives to nurturing young minds, yet we often forget to take care of our own mental well-being,” he added.

Opondo also revealed plans to establish a permanent KUPPET centre in Siaya town, noting that the union currently operates from rented and limited office space.

“If elected, I will champion the establishment of the KUPPET centre in Siaya town through collaboration with the County government of Siaya and other stakeholders,” Opondo said.

“I am promising our teachers an ultra-modern KUPPET Centre. Already, a discussion is going on between my office and Governor James Orengo on the possibilities of acquiring land for the project. We are also going to seek teachers’ input regarding the project,” he added.

Highlighting achievements under his tenure, Opondo said the union had established a burial benevolent fund to support bereaved members and their families and acquired a 46-seater bus to serve teachers during funerals and sporting activities.

“My administration acquired assets, including a 46-capacity bus that serves teachers, especially when bereaved and through sporting activities,” he stated.

According to Opondo, his administration had also supported women teachers through the formation of the Ladies’ Teachers’ Association and strengthened advocacy efforts that had reduced cases of dismissal and interdiction in the county.

“We are looking at the wellness of our teachers. Through our aggressive advocacy programs, cases of dismissals and interdiction have reduced drastically in Siaya,” he said.

Opondo noted that KUPPET had played a role in responding to disasters such as floods through corporate social responsibility initiatives and was currently pushing for Junior Secondary School classes to operate independently.

“The JSS classes must be taken to their school where they belong,” he said.

As campaigns intensify, Opondo has urged his competitors to conduct peaceful campaigns, assuring teachers of free and fair elections.