Former Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary-General Wilson Sossion has signalled that he could seek to reclaim the top seat in the teachers’ union during the upcoming elections scheduled for April.
In an interview with TV47, Sossion said he is considering launching a bid for the Secretary-General position, adding that he will make an official declaration at the appropriate time.
According to him, he has already met the eligibility requirements set out in the union’s constitution and is simply waiting for the right moment to publicly confirm his candidacy.
Sossion previously served as Secretary-General of the union from December 2013 until June 2021. During his tenure, he was a prominent figure in negotiations and disputes between teachers and the government, particularly in engagements with the Teachers Service Commission over teachers’ welfare, labour rights and union membership matters.
Speaking during the interview, the veteran unionist said his long history within the organisation qualifies him to run again for the leadership role. He noted that the union’s constitution allows individuals who have previously served in official capacities within the union to contest for the Secretary-General position.
Sossion explained that he has held several leadership roles in the union for more than two decades, giving him the experience required to compete in the upcoming election.
He also dismissed claims that his previous removal from the teaching profession could prevent him from contesting the position. According to Sossion, the constitution governing trade unions does not require a Secretary-General to be actively employed in the profession represented by the union.
To avoid any disputes over his eligibility, the former KNUT boss said he has already taken several procedural steps. These include formally informing the current Secretary-General, Collins Oyuu, of his intention to run for the seat.
Sossion further revealed that he has ensured his membership in the union remains active by paying all required union dues. He said his contributions have even exceeded the minimum requirement, adding that his payments are updated beyond the expected timeline.
The former union leader’s potential comeback follows a recent legal victory against the Teachers Service Commission. In its ruling, the Court of Appeal of Kenya determined that the process used to deregister and dismiss him from the teaching profession was unlawful.
The appellate judges concluded that the disciplinary action taken against him failed to comply with required legal procedures, thereby breaching employment protections provided under Kenyan labour laws.
The ruling effectively removed a major obstacle that could have complicated Sossion’s attempt to return to the leadership of the teachers’ union.
