A declaration by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) leadership that former boss Wilson Sossion is not eligible to run in next year’s elections has ignited a big fight.
Mr Sossion’s tenure, which included three years as Knut chairperson and seven as secretary-general, was defined by turbulent relations with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and successive governments, marked by multiple nationwide teachers’ strikes.
His troubles intensified in 2017 when he became the first sitting Knut secretary-general to be nominated to the National Assembly.
Following a Labour Court ruling, the TSC officially removed him from its list in 2020. This action paved the way for the commission to decline remitting union dues, severely weakening Knut’s financial muscle.
Although he was initially set to face off with then-chairperson, Mr Collins Oyuu, he resigned hours before the June 2021 elections, declaring that he had “outgrown” the union and intended to fully pursue his political ambitions.
The current national leadership, including Mr Oyuu as secretary-general, were subsequently elected unopposed.
Now, Mr Sossion, 56, has dismissed attempts by current officials to question his eligibility for a comeback, arguing that the deregistration issue is irrelevant to his current status as a Knut member.
Politics of deregistration
“That politics of deregistration was executed in 2017, did I continue being SG in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021? I resigned as secretary-general in 2021 but not as a member of Knut. I am a fully paid-up member, eligible to contest any position,” Mr Sossion told the Nation in an interview.
He directly challenged claims that he has not contributed union dues for years, daring officials to check their records.
“I have paid my dues up to June 2026,” he declared, adding that he contributes Sh1,200 monthly, which he claimed is the highest in the union.
Legally, Mr Sossion is hinging his eligibility on the Labour Relations Act, and Article 31, which he says opens the position of secretary-general to individuals from any trade.
Former Knut Secretary General Wilson Sossion during interview with the Nation on July 6, 2021 at his office in parliament buildings a few weeks after his resignation from the union.
Photo credit: Jeff Angote | Nation Media Group
He further dismissed the argument about being off the TSC register, pointing out that current leaders like Mr Oyuu and Chairperson Patrick Karinga are also not on the register because they have retired.
However, Mr Sossion said he is still consulting.
“I am still listening to the proposals from the members. I am yet to declare my candidature,” he said.
He strongly criticised what he termed an attempt by the current leadership to create a culture of unopposed elections.
Former Knut boss Wilson Sossion (left) and the current Secretary-General Collins Oyuu.
Photo credit: Nation Media Group
“It is their wish that nobody contests against them, and they are elected unopposed. Let Knut members exercise their democracy and elect the leaders they want,” he said, warning that Mr Oyuu “might face another candidate, not necessarily me, who will send him home”.
The current Knut top officials have been united in their dismissal of Mr Sossion’s planned candidature, citing the union’s constitution and the unresolved deregistration issue.
Mr Oyuu, who is defending his seat, said only bona fide members can run for office.
“The teaching profession is distinct, and I don’t believe TSC can accept to deal with a non-registered teacher,” he said during an interview with the Nation in Mombasa.
While Mr Oyuu insisted he is “not threatened”, he questioned Mr Sossion’s motive.
“What I know of Sossion of late is that he would wish to be the TSC boss ... How he would now come to seek a position in Knut I don’t know,” said Mr Oyuu.
Deputy Secretary-General Hesbon Otieno said: “Mr Sossion was deregistered by TSC. He has not appealed that decision. Anyone deregistered may appeal after 18 months ... He has not done so.”
“Mr Sossion has not contributed for the last five years. On what basis would he vie? The Knut constitution is clear. His time was there, it is gone, and there is no reverse gear,” he said.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary General Collins Oyuu.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Mr Karinga dismissed Mr Sossion’s bid as “null and void”, claiming the former boss wants to destabilise the union, which has been revived after it was left “on its knees in 2021”.
The elections are scheduled to run between January 5 and June 30, 2026, with national positions being contested between April 1 and June 30.
Kenya Primary School Heads Association Treasurer Kennedy Kyeva suggested that Mr Sossion should be aiming for a higher calling in government, not a union seat. He argued that Mr Sossion’s influence has long “outgrown the union”.
“He was destined for bigger things, perhaps Cabinet secretary, principal secretary or something similar, not back to a union that is now too small for him... asking him to go back to the tunnels and fight for union seats is demeaning,” said Mr Kyeva.
