The fight between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) continues as officials criticize each other.
Baringo Branch women representative Esther Cheptumo now alleges that the current stalemate in the union has been occasioned by the fact that KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion has been at war with TSC and the government, thus, disadvantaging teachers.
She noted that teachers have fallen victim to constant intimidation and penalties by the employer due to the power wrangles. She said it’s high time the SG eats humble pie and step down for the union to become alive and vibrant once again.
“We are what we are because of TSC and KNUT but I urge our teachers to come back to the union when it will be alive,” she said. The Branch official maintains that if changes will be made at the top brass leadership in the upcoming KNUT general election from April to June, then TSC might end the war with the union.
She stated that KNUT should be given priority because it remains of great importance to members in matters that neither TSC nor education officials can solve.
On the upcoming national examinations, Mrs. Cheptumo called on invigilators and supervisors to conduct themselves with a lot of professionalism, warning them not to fall into temptations by some school heads seeking favors for either their children or the respective school.
“Do your work by ensuring that the learners get their rightful marks, don’t fall into the trap of school heads who might want to mislead you and run away thereafter when you would have been caught red-handed,” she warned.
Sossion Is A Firm Leader
KNUT Branch executive Secretary Rev Joshua Cheptarus who spoke in a different meeting said Sossion is a definition of a firm leader who has stood with the union through thick and thin.
Branch chairman Silas Rutto noted that despite growing frustrations by the commission to de-whip its rightful members to paralyze operations, he will endeavor to mobilize other officials to support the Sossion re-election bid.
And while presiding over the Baringo Branch elections, Sossion warned teachers to be vigilant and safeguard their union from individuals who do not mean well for the rights of teachers.
The secretary-general said that he will remain put until the time when the union has gotten stronger officials who will lead the union and can withstand pressure from rival unions and government.
The union is currently struggling with 110 KNUT branch offices across the country facing closure over outstanding bills. This follows the commission’s withdrawal of over 180,000 members in June 2020. Union staff has also worked without salaries.
