What You Need to Know
A potential conflict arises in the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) elections as Secretary General Collins Oyuu warns former leader Wilson Sossion against running. Sossion, who was previously deregistered, claims eligibility to contest. Oyuu insists only union members can participate, setting the stage for a contentious election.
Africa-Press – Kenya. A potential showdown is shaping up ahead of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) national elections on April 3, after secretary general Collins Oyuu warned that he will not allow what he described as non-union members to run for office.
Oyuu’s remarks come amid indications that former secretary general Wilson Sossion is considering a comeback to lead the union.
Attempts to reach Sossion for comment were unsuccessful, with calls going unanswered and text messages ignored.
During a recent TV interview, however, Sossion confirmed that he had formally notified Oyuu of his intention to run.
His announcement followed a Court of Appeal ruling that declared the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) had unlawfully deregistered him as a teacher.
“I have written to secretary general Collins Oyuu notifying him of my candidature,” Sossion said.
He said he meets the criteria to contest for Knut leadership, dismissing concerns about his union membership, a key eligibility requirement.
According to the Knut constitution, membership ceases if one is dismissed or their teaching certificate is cancelled by the TSC.
“Those who qualify to contest for the secretary general position are those who have served as officials. I have held multiple roles in Knut for over 20 years,” Sossion said.
“In fact, I am among the most loyal members of Knut. I have not only paid dues up to June 2026 but have also settled supplementary contributions.”
Oyuu, speaking after a union meeting in Embu, said the elections at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu will strictly follow both the Knut constitution and Kenya’s 2010 constitution.
The law states that those seeking national positions must be professionally trained teachers with at least eight years of continuous service and must also be union members.
Oyuu invoked section 4 of the revised Labour Relations Act, 2022.
“Then come to the constitution, you will find that there’s no place for someone who is not a member here. So don’t talk to me about non-members of Knut, I don’t want to even hear about them.”
Oyuu added that Knut is not “a banana republic” where people can step out for politics or business and return at will.
“Knut is not a duster rag where you step out, and you come back wanting to be a candidate,” he said.
Sossion, who served as Knut secretary general from December 9, 2013, to June 25, 2021, resigned to focus on his legislative duties as a nominated Member of Parliament.
The Court of Appeal ruling cleared the way for a potential return, saying the processes leading to his dismissal as a teacher violated employment laws.
“Maybe what is remaining for me is to make a concrete pronouncement, which I will do at the right time,” Sossion said on March 5 during a TV47 interview.
In a notice to members dated March 13, Oyuu said the April 3 elections will be preceded by a special delegates conference on April 2 for the nomination of candidates.
“All branches are therefore directed to prepare and appoint delegates to the special conference through properly constituted Branch Executive Committee meetings as provided in the Knut constitution,” he said.
Sossion’s potential return is expected to reshape the race, given his influence and experience in advocating for teachers’ rights.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has been a significant player in advocating for teachers’ rights and welfare in Kenya. Established to represent educators, Knut has faced various leadership challenges and legal battles, particularly regarding membership eligibility and governance. The upcoming elections on April 3 are crucial as they may redefine the union’s direction and influence in the education sector, especially with Sossion’s potential return to leadership after a controversial dismissal.
