Sossion, Nzili rivalry deepens as unionists clash

By Edwin Cheserek and Tobias Chanji

Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) top officials clashed after unionists from Nyanza and Central endorsed Wilson Sossion as their preferred candidate in the presence of his rival Mudzo Nzili.

The leaders drawn from Western region, were gracing Chepkoilel Annual General Meeting at the weekend in Eldoret where Nzili was the chief guest. Trouble started after Migori Executive Secretary Charles Kathege took to the podium and announced that Nyanza region was behind Sossion, leading to a shouting match between supporters.

“This union is more important than all of us combined. That is why we prefer to support Sossion with the full mandate of teachers of this nation and other stakeholders,” said Kathege.

He added Sossion has what it takes to lead the giant teachers’ union, saying Knut branches across the region would not be convinced to settle for any individual other than the current chairman.

“The perception that lineage of chairmanship belongs to Western, Rift Valley and Central Provinces is not binding but a tradition that we as leaders are against because it weakens the union,” he said.

His Siaya counterpart Clement Omollo denounced Kathege’s sentiments and said Nyanza was behind Nzili and advised Sossion to shelve his ambition and remain the union’s chairman and allow them fill the other vacant positions.

His claims sparked protests from Rift Valley Knut Chairman and Secretary for Nakuru branch Kuria Njau who alleged that Omollo was misleading Nyanza branches not to support Sossion to advance his interest.

“We want the union’s hierarchy to promote you to be the chairman, elevate Sossion to the position of secretary general and the same is applied to the rest of the candidates,” he said. This forced Nzili to wade into the heated debate to intervene and asked the leaders to accord each other respect saying delegates would make their independent judgment during the December polls.

“I will not give way to an individual because no one shall compel me to make a decision contrary to my consciousness,” maintained Nzili.

Elsewhere, governors at the Coast pledged to support Nzili for the position of secretary general.

The governor said they (coast governors) met last week and agreed to support Nzili who has shown interest in fighting for teachers’ rights.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya noted that in May, at Bahakanda, he was promised by Sossion that he will ensure the secretary general’s post is held by someone from Kwale.