Wilson Sossion turns guns on Mudzo Nzili in Knut row

Teachers union chairman Wilson Sossion on Tuesday told off acting secretary-general Mudzo Nzili for asking him to resign.

Mr Sossion said that he would quit in December during the Kenya National Union of Teachers’ annual national delegates’ conference and not now as Mr Nzili demanded. (READ: Hand in resignation letter, Sossion told)

“The union’s rules require a member who is seeking a national elective post to announce his resignation on the floor of the conference. This is what has been happening and I don’t know why somebody wants to flout the regulations. I will resign when presenting myself for the position of secretary-general during December’s delegates conference,” Mr Sossion told the Nation on Tuesday.

The war of words between the two escalated at the weekend when Mr Nzili asked Mr Sossion to officially hand over his resignation letter by Monday for the union to appoint his replacement.

“If Mr Sossion is a serious contender, then he should officially write to the secretary general to make members aware that he has resigned from his position. This will allow the first vice-chairman to immediately take over in an acting capacity,” said Mr Nzili.

The two will fight for the giant union’s secretary-general position that fell vacant following the death of Mr David Okuta earlier in the year. Mr Nzili has since been acting secretary-general.

The seat is the premier position in the union as the holder acts as the chief executive and spokesman. (READ: Coast leaders urge Wilson Sossion to shelve ‘selfish’ ambitions)

RAISED A STORM

Traditionally, the December meeting would have been a formality to endorse Mr Nzili, but Mr Sossion’s move to declare his interest in the seat has raised a storm that could overshadow other agendas to be discussed during the meeting.

The two top officials have been attending branches’ general meetings to drum up support for their bids.

Some of union’s regional councils led by Nyanza and Coast have vowed to support Mr Nzili, who hails from Coast, accusing Mr Sossion of trashing the gentleman’s agreement of sharing top national positions according to regions. (READ: Kenya National Union of Teachers Coast leaders warn Wilson Sossion)

'TRIBAL' CAMPAIGN

Under the unwritten understanding, the post of secretary general is reserved for either Coast, Nyanza or Nairobi while the chairmanship is supposed to go to either Western, Central or Rift Valley.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, Mr Sossion dismissed the practice terming it undemocratic. “Traditions don’t exist in a union governed by written constitution, rules and regulations.”

On Monday evening, Mr Nzili accused Mr Sossion of playing the tribal card to clinch the position. (READ: Teachers split over Knut polls)