By Wasike Elvis
23 branches of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) in Rift Valley have endorsed Collins Oyuu as Secretary-General in the forthcoming elections.
They were drawn from Kericho, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu among others.
Speaking on their behalf, Eldoret West KNUT secretary general, Kipchumba Arusei said they support his bid to clinch the secretary-general position.
He will now battle it out with the current KNUT secretary general, Wilson Sossion.
“As Knut officials from 23 of 25 branches, after a lengthy discussion we have decided that we will overwhelmingly support the candidature of Collins Oyuu, he is the person who will bring change to the union. We want fresh and new leadership,” said Arusei.
KNUT deputy secretary-general Hesborn Otieno said it’s time for the Union to get a new leadership which will propel the union to higher heights.
“It is paramount to remember that the union has walked a journey of too much turmoil and we have to reset the union to its factory settings where we will bring back the lost glory. We are going to give teachers a strong team that will serve them diligently and respect the constitution of the Union,” said Otieno.
Acting KNUT Chairman, Collins Oyuu said KNUT has been run like a private entity and it was time to make changes.
“It’s not a secret that the leadership of one Wilson Sossion has brought down this union and I promise teachers that once elected I will serve teachers diligently and in accordance with the rule of law. We want teachers to have a peaceful mind when they operate,” he added.
He condemned the current secretary-general for intending to rig the elections.
“As I speak, the secretary-general has already released a list of delegates that is not commensurate to the 2019 register, we are telling him he won’t succeed. The leadership of Sossion has wrecked the union, Sossion cannot sit and negotiate for TSC, Sossion cannot be advised, he does what he likes and wants, as if people are not there,” he added.
Patrick Karinga will be vying for the National Chairman position, 1st Vice National Chairman, Stanley Mutai, 2nd Vice National Chair, John Wesonga, Secretary-General, Collins Oyuu, Deputy Secretary-General, Hesborn Otieno, Assistant Secretary-General, Rosalia Mukanjala, National Treasurer, James Ndiku , Deputy Treasurer, Ali Abdi and Women Representative, Mercy Kimabati.
