The Government, through the Ministry of Labour, has issued an injunction against a planned by-election to replace Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Chairman Mudzo Nzili.
The by-election was slated for December 14, after KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion ordered mandatory leave pending retirement for both the Chair and his vice, Samson Kaguma.
In a statement, the Ministry has deemed Sossion's move illegal, citing that both officials have not attained the retirement age.
[caption caption="KNUT Secretary General and ODM MP Wilson Sossion"]
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"We wish to inform you that we have received letters of objection by the Chairman, Mr Mudzo Nzili, and the 1st Vice Chairman Mr Samson Kaguma who have both indicated that they are yet to attain the mandatory age of retirement of 60 years stipulated by the Union Constitution.
"In light of the above and having referred to Article 18 (c) of the union constitution, it would be unlawful to proceed with the planned by-elections scheduled for 14th December 2017 since the positions are not yet vacant. For further details on this matter, you are advised to please contact the Registrar of Trade Unions," the letter read in part.
The Chairman had vowed to take court action against the Secretary-General after reading mischief into the alleged forced retirement.
Mr Sossion has, however, maintained that there is no bad blood between him and the chair and that the letters were issued according to the Union's code.
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"There is no war between me and Nzili. We will hold a meeting where we will discuss the matter that has been highly sensationalised," Sossion stated.
He has further conveyed that the injunction will necessitate consultative meetings on the way forward.
"The issues we will be discussing is procedural. I will be paying him his wages until May next year and then he will retire like other members.
"In the meantime, his deputy will hold the position before we hold another election as enshrined in our constitution," Mr Sossion stated.
[caption caption="File image of KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion with Chairman Mudzo Nzili"]
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