By AUGUSTINE ODUOR

Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) officials led teachers in mourning the death of secretary general Okuta Osiany.

The union steering committee led by acting secretary general Xavier Nyamu said they had known Okuta was sick, but his death caught them by surprise.

Knut asked teachers to join family and friends in mourning the trade unionist, who championed for teachers’ rights for over 30 years. Nyamu announced they resolved that all union activities be suspended in respect of the fallen hero.

“We have resolved to be close to his family during this period,” he said.

Speaking at Lee Funeral Home after meeting Okuta’s family Wednesday, Nyamu asked all teachers to remain united. Knut national chairman Wilson Sossion said it is a difficult moment for teachers across the country. “We have been receiving telephone calls with messages of condolences. We join the family at this time,” he said. Okuta’s children described their father as a man who highly valued education.

On Wednesday, villagers and relatives milled at Okuta’s home in Tura Village, Kisumu County to console his family.  “My father was very generous. He has such a big heart,” said Agnes Awino, the first born. Ms Awino, 35, said Okuta always encouraged them to excel in their academics.

National leadership

“My father had clean heart and was diligent. He made us understand the value of education at a tender age,” said Okuta’s other child Dr Felix Otieno, 27. Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) national leadership also sent condolences to the family.

Kuppet secretary general Akelo Misori and union national chairman Omboko Milemba said they join the family and friends in mourning ‘a man who fought for teachers rights’.

In a statement, the two officials said: “We have received the message of Okuta’s death with great shock. Though we knew he was sick, we believed he would recover and proceed with union duties.”

Siaya County Knut officials hailed the late Okuta as a man who had teachers’ interests at heart.

Knut county chairman Alex Dunga said through his hard work, he rose through ranks in the union.

In Western Province, various top officials in the teaching fraternity paid tribute to Okuta.

Kakamega County Knut chairperson John Wesonga observed Okuta performed his tasks effectively. “He was able to override any tribal inclinations to lead a teachers union that brings together all 47 tribes. In truth, we all found comfort under his leadership,” said Wesonga.

Mr Johnston Wabuti, Kakamega County Kuppet’s chairperson, said despite belonging to a rival union, Okuta fought for teachers’ rights without taking sides. Mr Nickson Amendi, Vihiga County Executive Secretary said Okuta was a trade unionist at heart. He added he would be remembered for being one of the key unionists who fought for teachers’ rights with a lot of zeal.

In Central Province, teachers were united in mourning the death of their leader.

Murang’a teachers described Okuta as a national hero who has done a lot in fighting to uplift their welfare. Led by Murang’a South Executive Secretary Amos Murigi, teachers termed the death of Okuta as a major blow to the union.

 “The death of the Secretary General is a major blow to teachers and the entire fraternity of trade union owing to his commitment towards Kenyan workers,” said Murigi.

Nyeri Knut Executive Secretary Mutahi Kahiga said teachers in the country were saddened by his death.