Unionists say they will break away from KNUT traditions and vote Wilson Sossion

KNUT National Chairman Wilson Sossion (L) and Acting Secretary General Mudzo Nzili after being charged of inciting teachers to strike [PHOTO: FILE]

By ERIC WAINAINA

Kiambu, Kenya: Kenyan National Union of Teachers officials from Central Kenya have thrown their weight behind the election of Wilson Sossion as the union's secretary general in the upcoming December elections.

The officials from Kiambu, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga and Nairobi Counties met in Kiambu where they said outgoing National Chairman has what it takes to hold the position which is considered powerful in the union.

They rejected calls to allow the Knut traditions be followed in deciding the union's boss and asked the acting secretary General Mudzo Nzili to take the position of the deputy secretary General first to the teachers to test his leadership quality.

Kiambu County chairman Mr Samuel Muiruri said Branch Executive Committees members (BEC) from eight out of ten brunches in Central province are supporting Sossion, saying has proven himself a credible leader to hold the office.

 “We are going to support Sossion for this post because we believe in his ability to guide us and we gave seen his dedication towards the welfare and the teachers union courageously, especially during the July teachers’ strike and am sure we will triumph,” he said in a press statement after the meeting.

According to those championing for the tradition, Nzili, the unions acting secretary general, is best suited to take up the mantle to lead the teacher’s organisation.

Henry Njenga, the vice executive secretary, Nairobi brunch said the election should be guided by the ability of an individual to lead and not traditions, adding that in their line-up, all regions have been represented.

Kiambu West vice chairman Mr Peter Kihiu said Sossion is not only a darling to the teachers but also other Kenyans have liked his from his courageousness and dedication, noting that not electing him would be a disservice to the teachers.

But the brunch executive secretary Clement Gicharu is supporting Nzili, saying the council has unanimously agreed in a gentlemen talk he would take over the position and wondered where Sossion's “dust” came from.