Taita Taveta KNUT Executive Secretary Lenox Mshila has declared his bid for the national Assistant Secretary General position as the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) heads into a fresh round of national elections.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday at the union’s main office in Mwatate, Mshila said delegates from Taita Taveta County have unanimously endorsed his candidature, expressing confidence in his ability to represent the Coast region at the national level.
Mshila used the platform to reaffirm his support for incumbent Secretary General Collins Oyuu, who is seeking a second term in office, aligning himself firmly with the Oyuu-led faction within the union. He, at the same time, criticised the camp associated with Wilson Sossion, signalling deepening divisions ahead of the polls.
“We have been in full support of team Oyuu, and we believe in continuity of leadership that safeguards the interests of teachers,” Mshila said.
He revealed that the branch had initially fronted Rosalia Mkanjala for the Assistant Secretary General position to represent the Coast region at the national level. However, he said her defection to Sossion’s camp had created a leadership vacuum, prompting fresh competition for the slot.
ALSO READ:
TSC warns over 43,000 intern teachers face uncertainty after court declares programme illegal
“That position now remains vacant after her move, and several candidates have expressed interest. As teachers from the Coast, we saw the need to move quickly and reclaim our space,” he said.
Mshila argued that the Coast region has a legitimate claim to the position, citing long-standing internal arrangements within KNUT that guide the distribution of top leadership posts across regions.
According to him, the union’s structure allocates the chairmanship to Rift Valley and Western regions, while the secretary positions are shared among Nyanza, Nairobi and the Coast. Other regions have the treasury and the women’s representative positions.
“Based on this arrangement, we as people from the Coast have every reason to go for the Assistant Secretary General position,” he said.
He thanked KNUT’s national leadership for allowing the region to contest for the seat and called on teachers across the Coast to rally behind his bid. He also lauded colleagues from Taita Taveta for their endorsement, terming it a show of unity and trust in his leadership.
The unfolding contest reflects broader tensions within KNUT as factions join rival leaders ahead of the elections.
Collins Oyuu has, in recent public statements emphasized the need for stability within the union, urging members to remain united as they prepare to choose their leaders. He has defended his record, pointing to ongoing engagements with the government on teachers’ welfare and labour issues as justification for a second term.
He said that the union is not a place where someone gets out of power and comes back as they wish, stating, “He has no place in the leadership of KNUT. KNUT is not a rag where you step out, go to politics, go to your business out there, then you come back, you want to be a candidate, where?”
Oyuu further added that, “We shall control this union to be respected and liked by all.”
On his part, Wilson Sossion has positioned himself as a reform candidate, seeking a return to national leadership and drawing support from sections of the union dissatisfied with the current administration.
ALSO READ:
Kwale County disburses KSh 34.4 million bursaries to 4,018 needy students
Mshila, urged the teachers to remain united warning that divisions could weaken the union if not managed carefully, calling for cohesion among teachers nationwide.
“We must remain united as teachers. Our strength lies in speaking with one voice, especially at a time when the profession faces numerous challenges,” he said.
With endorsements, defections and regional interests shaping the race, KNUT’s upcoming elections are expected to be closely contested, with outcomes likely to influence the union’s direction and bargaining power in the coming years.
By Michael Oduor
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
