Teachers split over Sossion’s bid for Kenya National Union of Teachers seat

By CHARLES NGENO

Kenya National Union of Teachers chairman Wilson Sossion’s quest for Secretary General’s seat received a boost after teachers drawn from 14 branches in the Rift Valley threw their support behind him.

Speaking during Sotik Education Day celebrations, the teachers pledged to back Sossion’s candidature saying he had proven his leadership skills as chairman and time had come to make  him the teachers’ official spokesperson.

The teachers were led by Executive secretaries from Bomet, Narok, Sotik, Transmara, Nandi North, Nandi East, Koibatek, Kisii Central, Borabu, Kericho, Bureti and Kipkelion. Bomet Executive Secretary Malel Langat said they felt Sossion was better placed to articulate the issues affecting teachers. He added that the seat of the Secretary General needs a person who is courageous and incorruptible.

“We are today making our stand clear. Our branches will be rallying behind Sossion and we are not about to be distracted by what some people are calling gentleman agreements. We are only exercising our democratic mandate within the union,” said Malel. Koibatek Executive Secretary Stanley Kiptis said Rift Valley had agreed to back Sossion.

“Sossion has represented us as a chairman and since teachers have seen his capabilities, they now want him to serve as Secretary General. Let those who have interest in the seat wait for their turn,” said Kiptis.

However, when contacted Nyandarua County Executive Secretary Karatasi Chege and his Nyeri counterpart Kahiga Mutahi dismissed the move by Sossion warning that it will be in total breach of the union’s traditions and structures.

 ‘Playing around’

“I’m surprised that Sossion has today lost confidence in the structures and traditions that have brought the union this far. I’m in support of continuity and respect of structures within the union,” said Chege.

He compared the union to a football team where everyone must play his position for the team to succeed. He noted that though Sossion had defended the rights of teachers boldly, this does not mean that he has been doing it single-handedly.

Mutahi said Sossion should stop ‘playing around’ adding that should allow others to rise too. “Sossion should stop being power hungry. Interests that are political should not override the rights of the teachers. We are aware of underground political machinations,” said Mutahi.