Uhuru, Ruto, Raila to be at Okuta burial

Daughters of the late Knut boss Osiany, Agnes (right) Antonina (centre) and Quinter Anyango, Wednesday during his requiem mass at the Consolata Shrine, Westlands, Nairobi. Photo/ANTHONY OMUYA

What you need to know:

  • President Kenyatta said that in his life and work, the late Osiany earned himself the reputation of being a sociable, humble, generous and hard-working gentleman.

President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto are Friday expected to attend the burial of teachers’ union boss David Okuta.

The Kenya National Union of Teacher’s (Knut) secretary-general died a fortnight ago, and will be buried in Nyando, Kisumu County. He was 61.

Knut chairman Wilson Sossion yesterday said that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former vice-president Kalonzo Musyoka will attend the funeral.

“The Office of the President has confirmed that he (Mr Kenyatta) will attend the burial of his friend (Mr) Okuta and will be accompanied by his deputy,” Mr Sossion said after a requiem Mass at the Consolata Shrine in Westlands, Nairobi Wednesday.

Mr Ndirangu Njoroge, the Nairobi county regional coordinator, delivered the condolence message on behalf of the President and confirmed that the Head of State would attend the burial.

Dedicated unionist

President Kenyatta said in his message that in Mr Okuta’s death, Kenya had lost a dedicated trade unionist, who stood firm for the rights and welfare of teachers.

“It is with deep sorrow and regret that I send this message of condolence and encouragement to the entire teaching fraternity following the sad demise of Mr Osiany,” he said.

President Kenyatta said that in his life and work, Mr Osiany earned himself the reputation of being a sociable, humble, generous and hard-working person.

Mr Osiany was dead on arrival at Rongai Women’s Hospital near Nairobi a fortnight ago. He had earlier been discharged from the Aga Khan University Hospital, where he had been admitted for three weeks.

He is survived by two widows, Belguna and Milcah, and eight children.

Top Knut leaders yesterday left for Kisumu after the Mass to prepare for the burial.

Union officials at the Mass included university staff union bosses professors Charles Mukhwaya and Sammy Kubasu, post-primary teachers union and domestic and allied workers union officials.

Nyando MP Fred Outa was also at the service.

The Education ministry was not left behind with permanent secretary George Godia consoling Mr Osiany’s family.

“The education community knew Mr Osiany as an outstanding teacher and principal before joining the trade union movement where he spent most of his professional life moulding and mentoring our learners,” Prof Godia said.

Mr Osiany took over the leadership of Knut in 2010, but was officially elected unanimously in 2011.

It was during his tenure that teachers went for the longest strike — three weeks-in third term last year.

The strike negatively affected the education timetable as it led to postponement of the national examinations by three weeks, in turn affecting Form One admissions this year.