Former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Wilson Sossion has announced his intention to reclaim the union’s top seat, setting the stage for a heated leadership contest with incumbent Collins Oyuu.
Sossion, who served as KNUT boss between 2013 and 2021, said his decision to return was driven by growing concerns over the welfare of teachers, positioning his comeback as a mission to restore the union’s strength.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation on Tuesday, March 24, Sossion said he was ready to face Oyuu in a democratic contest, while also questioning his eligibility to remain in office.
“I am eligible and Oyuu should prepare a democratic process and accept my name… or alternatively cause retired,” Sossion said.
Sossion declares comeback bid
The former nominated MP framed his return as a response to what he described as the cries of teachers across the country, drawing a biblical comparison to emphasize his mission.
“I think I’m just like Moses, who was looking after Jethro’s goats in the wilderness. I’ve heard the cries of my teachers… and I’ll go back,” he said.
“Moses was never stopped from going to Egypt. He went to Egypt and took the children of Israel out,” he added.
Sossion argued that KNUT requires renewed leadership that is actively in touch with the realities facing teachers, especially those still in service.
Push for retirement age limits
At the heart of Sossion’s argument is a call for strict enforcement of retirement age limits within the union leadership.
He maintained that individuals who have surpassed the retirement age should step aside and allow younger, active teachers to take up leadership roles.
“Once you are past retirement age, leave the union. We have a bad culture in the country that retirees are manning the union. And that is wrong,” he said.
He questioned whether retired leaders can effectively represent the interests of teachers currently in classrooms.
“You know when you are in the teaching force and the teachers who are in the teaching force are either your sons or your grandchildren, can you speak for them?” he posed.
Sossion insisted that he wants to face a candidate who is still actively teaching and under the age of 60.
“So Oyuu and anyone else who is past 60 years should just pack and go home. They should not even be on the ballot,” he added.
Open to generational transition
Despite his comeback bid, Sossion said he supports generational change within the union and would be willing to step aside for a younger candidate.
“In fact, if there was a young teacher younger than me who would run for the office of the Secretary General, I would not offer my candidature,” he said.
He emphasized the need to nurture new leadership within KNUT, warning against attempts to entrench individuals in office indefinitely.
“But you see, coming up with a culture… you want to be a Secretary General for life in KNUT, that members of KNUT have said no,” he said.
Sossion further criticised what he termed as ineffective leadership, arguing that the union must refocus on advocating for teachers’ rights and welfare.
As the race for the KNUT top seat begins to take shape, his declaration signals a potentially contentious battle that could redefine the future direction of one of Kenya’s most influential labour unions.
