This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
Teachers Service Commission Deregisters KNUT Boss Wilson Sossion ¶
On July 29, 2019, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) finally deregistered Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) boss Wilson Sossion, following a directive by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
The court had ruled that Sossion's name be expunged from the teachers' register on grounds that he violated the code of conduct by engaging in politics. Sossion was nominated to Parliament by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party shortly after the 2017 General Election.
He refused to relinquish his position as the union's secretary general, compelling TSC to move to court to seek legal interpretation on the matter and permission to kick him out. On Friday, July 26, Justice Nelson Abuodha agreed with the submission of the commission and ruled that Sossion violated the teacher's code of conduct and his name should be scrapped from the tutor's register.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) boss Francis Atwoli has come to the defence of the embattled KNUT leader, maintaining the move will not affect his position. Atwoli argued Sossion was an elected leader and no one should intimidate him using the court.
"As COTU, we wish to acknowledge that Sossion holds a valid and legitimate position in the leadership of KNUT. Equally, the ruling does not in any way affect the position of secretary-general as he is an elected leader nominated and voted in by members of KNUT," said Atwoli.
However, Sossion has dismissed the move as "inconsequential" maintaining he would retain his position in the union. He cited Article 34 (A) of the Labour Relations Act saying the termination of his contract did not affect his rights as a union official.
TSC has deregistered KNUT boss Wilson Sossion.Photo: Citizen TV
