Cracks deepen in Knut over August 8 elections

Cracks have emerged in the giant teachers’ union as two senior officials took firm opposing positions in the ensuing political realignment ahead of the August 8 General Election.

Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) National Chairman Mudzo Nzili has openly thrown his support behind President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election bid, splitting the union right down the middle.

Secretary General Wilson Sossion has expressed support for the Opposition and has even been proposed for a nomination slot by one of the dominant political parties.

Speaking in Kinango in Kwale County, Nzili said he is supporting Jubilee, even as he stated that the union top-decision making organ has not  made a formal statement on the direction teachers should take.

In the presence of Deputy President William Ruto at a political rally, Mr Nzili declared support for Jubilee Party but urged teachers to elect whoever they deemed right.

He dismissed claims that the union has decided their political direction, mounting pressure on the scramble for the 305,000 teachers under the Government payroll.

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The two opposing positions have opened a rift in what other trade unionists fear may kill the union after the August poll.

The Saturday Standard has established that Knut National Executive Council members and steering committee officials have now formed camps loyal to Sossion and Nzili.

Knut Treasurer John Matiang’i last week said Sossion’s position is personal and does not reflect the teachers’ stand. But a recent statement by Sossion indicated he will not quit the union even after his nomination by ODM.

“I am not contesting any seat. I have just been nominated. I will not resign but represent a special interest group which is workers,” said Sossion at a press conference Wednesday.

Sources at the union said pro-Jubilee officials are infuriated at Sossion’s open dalliance with National Super Alliance (NASA) and even attending some of its functions.

Sossion took a front row seat during the NASA manifesto launch and spoke elaborately at a Bomet rally attended by all Opposition leaders.

And this week, Nzili also openly embraced Jubilee officials and sat at the main dais, declaring support for the Government.

The development comes as it emerged that more than 20 union officials are contesting various political seats.