Teachers split between Wilson Sossion and Mudzo Nzili for Secretary General post

Acting Knut Secretary General Mudzo Nzili (left) and union’s chairman Wilson Sossion at a past function. Teachers are divided over who between the two should fill the late David Okuta’s position. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

By KENNEDY OKWACH and DANIEL PRISMOI

Teachers from western region under Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) are divided on who should fill the position of the union’s Secretary General.

This follows the death of former Secretary General David Okuta. Some are supporting the current chairman Wilson Sossion while others are in support of the acting Secretary General Mudzo Nzili

Bungoma County Knut Executive Secretary Kenneth Nganga said the county held an executive meeting on Friday and vowed to stick with the traditions of the union.

The union has a tradition where the seat of the secretary general is reserved for members from the Coast, Nyanza and Nairobi regions while the seat of the Chairman is reserved for members from Western, Central and Rift Valley.

If the traditions are followed, Sossion who comes from Rift Valley region will be ineligible to vie for the position.

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“Knut members from Bungoma County will support continuation of the union’s traditions on the allocation of seats in the executive office. This is the way we will go,” he said.

Speaking to The Standard, he said those jostling for the seat are beneficiaries of the tradition.

“All these people in the executive office have benefited from these traditions and I am wondering why some are bending them for personal gain. The two should sit down and talk and if they cannot come up with a solution, the advisory committee should step in,” he said.

In Busia County, Knut Executive Secretary Mark Otieno said teachers from the region are in full support of the union traditions. He said this is the only way all Kenyan teachers will be represented.

“Teachers from Busia want full respect of the union‘s traditions that have held the union for 66 years. These traditions have ensured regional balance in the union and they should not be changed,” he said.

Vihiga County Knut Executive Secretary Dickson Kisivuli said teachers in the county want the officials to switch positions. “Teachers in the county want the officials to switch positions. They feel the chairman has done a lot for their welfare and he is more charismatic to become the union’s spokesman,” he said.

Kakamega County Knut Executive Secretary Chungani Patrick said that it is the mandate of teachers to elect their preferred official.

“Teachers are the only people who can elect officials in Knut. Let the teachers decide when the time comes,” he said.

Knut Executive Secretary, Butere in Kakamega County Tungani Shikhule said there are forces outside the union trying to weaken it and strengthen the rival union.