Sossion backtracks on ODM nomination
ODM leader Raila Odinga (left) converses with Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary-General Wilson Sossion during a forum at Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho's offices on August 4, 2017. Knut chairman Nzili and treasurer John Matiang’i had criticised Mr Sossion for taking sides in the country’s political battles. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Sossion’s decision to remain at Knut is expected to cool political differences at the union.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) secretary-general Wilson Sossion on Monday turned down an ODM nomination offer to the National Assembly ahead of a meeting of the union’s top decision-making organ.
Mr Sossion said he had many commitments at the union.
PARLIAMENT
It emerged that the 44-member Knut National Executive Council had asked him to choose between remaining at the union or joining Parliament.
The Thursday meeting is expected to discuss the General Election, which split the teachers’ trade union.
Mr Sossion, who had vowed to remain as Knut spokesman and ODM nominated MP, made the announcement at the swearing-in ceremony of Baringo Governor Stanley Kiptis.
MONEY
Mr Kiptis was Eldama Ravine Knut executive secretary.
“It is true that I was proposed for nomination. We are happy for the affirmation slot for workers but I propose that ODM nominates someone else,” Mr Sossion said.
Mr Sossion’s decision to remain at Knut, where he controls a Sh1.5 billion annual budget, is expected to cool political differences at the union.
Knut chairman Mudzo Nzili and treasurer John Matiang’i had criticised Mr Sossion for taking sides in the country’s political battles without seeking members’ opinions.
