Wilson Sossion was on Monday formally elected as secretary-general of the Kenya National Union of Teachers at a delegates conference in Nakuru. The news of Wilson Sossion elected Knut leader brought widespread reactions.
As part of a deal negotiated by the union’s Advisory Council last month to avert a potentially explosive clash for the powerful position of secretary-general, Mudzo Nzili who was holding the position in an acting capacity replaced Mr Sossion as chairman. With Wilson Sossion elected Knut leader, new dynamics are expected within the union.
The post of secretary-general fell vacant following the death of Mr Okuta Osiany in April this year. Mr Xavier Nyamu, who briefly stepped in acting capacity, retired shortly after. Following Wilson Sossion elected Knut secretary-general, changes in leadership were imminent.
Mr Sossion, a former high school teacher, becomes the first secretary-general from outside Coast, Nyanza and Nairobi regions. He hails from Rift Valley, which was initially allocated the chairman post.-nation.co.ke
Wilson Sossion was elected as the Secretary-General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) in 2013. He became a prominent figure in Kenya’s education sector. His advocacy for teachers' rights was strong. He engaged in frequent negotiations and sometimes confrontations with the government. These were over issues such as teachers’ salaries, working conditions, and education policies.
Sossion also served as a nominated Member of Parliament (MP) representing workers’ interests under the ODM party and was affiliated with the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU). However, his dual role as a union leader and MP sparked controversy, leading to tensions within KNUT and eventually his suspension from the union in later years.
