The Bomet branch of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) on Sunday demonstrated a strong show of unity and compassion as top union officials, school leaders, and education stakeholders paid a courtesy and solidarity visit to the Branch Assistant Executive Secretary, Geff Bett, popularly known as OCS.
Bett is currently recuperating at his Mugango home in Bomet Central Sub-county after surviving a road accident two weeks ago.
The high-powered delegation, led by Executive Secretary Desmond Langat, included Chairman Davies Mitei, Treasurer Peter Ronoh, Women’s Representative Betty Langat, Vice Chairman Walter Cheruiyot, Assistant Treasurer Godfrey Rono (GM), and several Branch Executive Committee (BEC) members: Willy Kirui (Bomet Central), Kitur Geoffrey (Konoin), and Mr. Koech (Cheptalal).
Also present were aspirants vying for various branch positions, notably Richard Cheruiyot, Principal of Kapkilabei Comprehensive School and contender for the KNUT Bomet Chairmanship, and Betty Kenik, who is seeking the Women Representative seat. Their presence highlighted a rare moment of unity among leaders and aspirants, showing support that transcends election interests.
The visit further drew representation from the financial sector, with Imarisha Sacco sending a delegation led by Director Rodrick Chepkwony, who said their presence was a sign of deep partnership with the teaching fraternity.
The officials from the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KEPSHA) also attended, strengthening the message that the education sector stands firmly together in times of need.
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Addressing the delegation from the compound of his home, Bett expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received since the accident.
“I thank God for saving my life,” he said. “Teachers have been visiting me every now and then, and I truly appreciate this love.”
Bett applauded the KNUT Bomet leadership for maintaining unity and protecting the welfare of teachers, insisting that togetherness remains the union’s strongest asset.
“The moment we divide ourselves, our teachers will suffer greatly,” he remarked, urging members to remain focused on issues that uplift educators rather than those that create divisions.
Despite his injuries, Bett assured teachers that his commitment to service has not wavered.
He revealed plans to resume grassroots engagements once he fully regains mobility.
“As soon as I recover fully, I will be back on the ground meeting teachers face-to-face. Our agenda for better working conditions, fair remuneration, and professional growth remains my top priority,” he promised.
One after another, speakers thanked God for preserving Bett’s life and praised him for his dedication to defending teachers’ rights and welfare. Many described him as a courageous, accessible, and principled leader who has transformed union service at the grassroots.
The delegation from Bomet Central, Bomet East, Konoin and Chepalungu sub counties, went further, offering a unanimous endorsement of Bett’s reelection bid, stating that his leadership has been instrumental in strengthening KNUT Bomet.
Chepkwony of Imarisha Sacco recalled the tense moments after the accident.
“I received a phone call that Geff had been involved in a road accident. I contacted AGC Tenwek Hospital immediately and was informed he was already being attended to,” said Chepkwony.
He praised Bett for working closely with both teachers and Sacco members, calling him “a dedicated servant of the people.”
The head of Cheboingong Comprehensive School challenged members to give Bett and his boss, Executive Secretary Langat, ample time to execute their mandate.
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“Give them more time and test them after five years,” he said, reminding teachers that the two officials were elected only two years ago during a by-election and have already demonstrated notable leadership.
Walter Cheruiyot echoed the sentiments, stating that Bett’s role at the union office has been deeply missed since the accident.
“Teachers are missing his service. We wish him a quick recovery so that he can return soon to continue defending teachers,” said Cheruiyot.
As union politics heat up ahead of the next branch elections, Bett’s popularity appears to be rising even as he recovers.
A recent independent opinion poll conducted between October 21 and 24, 2025, revealed that Bett has widened his lead against his closest challenger, Lily Chumo, known as the “Iron Lady.” According to the survey — which sampled 396 KNUT-registered teachers from Bomet Central, Bomet East, Chepalungu, and Konoin — Bett commands 72 percent support among teachers, with a margin of error of ±3.2 percent.
Reacting to the poll results, Bett said:
“The results are humbling. Teachers believe in our vision of transparency, accountability, and service. I take this trust seriously and promise to continue leading with integrity and dedication.”
The Sunday’s visit underscored a strong message: the teaching fraternity in Bomet stands united behind one of its own.
As Bett continues his recovery journey, KNUT members, school leaders, and education stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting him — not just as a leader, but as a colleague, friend, and champion of teachers’ rights
By Philip Koech
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