Is Central Kenya region under-represented in the Kenya National Union Of Teachers (KNUT)? The leaders of the union in Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri and Nyandarua counties hinted at a possible split and withdrawal from the union citing under-representation of the region in the crucial National Steering Committee.
This is after Patrick Michael lost in the recent by-election. Mr Karinga was vying for the seat of first national vice chairman but was floored by Mr Henry Collins Oyoo from Nyanza region with 963 votes against 801 votes.
Traditionally, Knut reserves the chairperson’s position for the Western region, the first vice chair for Central, the second vice chair for the Coast and the deputy secretary-general for Nyanza.
“Among the 11 members of the national steering committee, Central region has no representation and we feel alienated. We cannot continue subscribing to a union where we are not represented,” said Mr Michael Muna from Kiambu during a press conference held in Kibirigwi, Kirinyaga Monday.
The officials urged the steering committee to create an affirmative action seat for Mr Karinga, who they said is the union’s de-facto leader in Central.
Mr Muna claimed that out of the Sh135 million Knut collects every month from its 206,000 members countrywide, Central region contributes the largest share of more than 50 percent.
He said if their grievances are not addressed, the regional teachers will reconsider their membership.
“We feel our union’s dues deductions should not be going to the national office and we would rather have the dues now channelled to our branches,” said Mr Muna in protest.
On Mr Karinga’s loss in the by-election, Mr Muna, who is also a member of the union’s National Executive Committee, said the poll was marred by irregularities and malpractices.
“Non-delegates including ECDE teachers were allowed to vote. The results of the by-election are a clear indication of the determination of a few individuals to push aside Central from Knut national leadership,” Mr Muna said.
He said the regional teachers believe the seat of first vice chairman won by Mr Oyoo is still vacant since it was reserved for a person from Central according to the traditions of the union.
The seat became vacant after Mr Samson Kaguma, who is from Murang’a county, retired in March this year.