KNUT Rarieda branch elections halted after court intervention

Elections for the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Rarieda branch slated for Friday, March 6, 2026, have been postponed indefinitely following a court order issued by the Employment and Labour Relations Court sitting in Kisumu.

In a notice dated March 3, 2026, Rarieda Branch Executive Secretary Willis Odhach Achola informed union members that the planned polls would no longer proceed as scheduled.

The decision follows a temporary injunction granted by the court on February 27, 2026, in a case which was filed at the Kisumu Law Courts under reference ELRCPET/E020/2026 by George Anyona Arek.

The petition lists the Registrar of Trade Unions, KNUT Head Office, and two other respondents, and challenges aspects surrounding the planned branch elections.

According to the branch communication, the court order restrains the Rarieda KNUT Branch from conducting the elections until the petition is heard and determined.

“As a result of the court injunction issued on February 27, 2026, the elections scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026, have been postponed until further notice,” Achola stated in the notice addressed to members across Rarieda subcounty.

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The postponement has temporarily stalled leadership transition plans within the branch, as the elections were expected to usher in new officials to steer union activities at the grassroots level

Branch elections are crucial in shaping representation at higher union structures and influencing policy direction within the teachers’ union.

Union members have been urged to remain calm and await further official communication regarding new election dates.

The matter will now proceed through the judicial process, with the court expected to issue further directions once the case is heard.

By Odoyo Miranda