Divisions have rocked the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Gucha Branch as members prepare for the 2026 elections, with a section of teachers vowing to overhaul the current leadership, starting with Executive Secretary Lucy Machuki.
Machuki, who is serving her second term, has been accused by some members of arrogance and neglecting members’ welfare. Teachers also claim she has failed to convene an Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the past five years, raising concerns over transparency in the union’s finances.
“Mrs. Machuki earns Sh300,000 per month but she could not even buy a bottle of water for members during the recently held Gusii Mwalimu Sacco Education Day,” alleged Samuel Onderi of Magenge Primary School in Gucha.
Members from Kenyenya and Bomachoge Chache sub-counties have also demanded the creation of a new KNUT branch, arguing that the current structure unfairly favors Nyamache and Sameta sub-counties, both in Bobasi Constituency, where Machuki hails from. They claim that out of the seven elective positions in the branch, five are controlled by Sameta and Nyamache, leaving them sidelined.
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“This large number outnumbers us during elections and we keep being sidelined,” said Julius Gwaro.
The teachers argue that despite Bomachoge Chache and Kenyenya sub-counties having more than 1,005 registered members, they have never produced an executive secretary in the last 30 years since the branch was carved out of Kisii. They have appealed to KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu to split the branch to guarantee fair representation.
Meanwhile, members opposed to Machuki are fronting her current treasurer, Michael Nyarang’o, as a replacement, describing him as “vibrant and visionary.” Other officials facing stiff competition include branch chairperson Esther Nyabayo, who will be challenged by John Mokua. The treasurer’s seat, currently held by Vincent Mokua, will also attract new contestants, while Julius Gwaro has declared interest in unseating Joash Opara as Board Executive Committee (BEC) representative for the Magenche-Mokubo zone.
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In her response, Machuki dismissed the allegations, terming them baseless and orchestrated by a few dissatisfied individuals. She defended her record, citing her efforts in expanding membership, advocating against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), championing girl-child education, and ensuring fair representation of teachers at the national level.
Nicknamed “the Queen of Nyanza” for being the first woman elected as an executive secretary in the region, Machuki expressed confidence in retaining her seat, saying her leadership track record and the trust of the majority of teachers would secure her re-election.
By Enock Okong’o
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