The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) secretary general Collins Oyuu, is set for a second term after going unopposed in nominations held on Thursday ahead of Friday’s union national elections.
Oyuu emerged without a rival during the nominations conducted at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu, paving the way for his automatic return to office for the 2026–2031 term.
His unopposed candidature means Friday’s election will largely be a formality, with the final declaration of results expected from the Ministry of Labour once the process is concluded.
Speaking during the Special Delegates Conference, Oyuu described the nominations as smooth and orderly, attributing the outcome to the union’s strong structures.
“This is a special moment for the union. We are concluding a five-year term and preparing to elect leaders who will steer KNUT for the next five years,” he said.
He maintained that the union’s constitution guarantees open participation, dismissing claims of exclusion from sections of aspirants.
“KNUT is a democratic union. Anyone who qualifies under our constitution is free to vie. There should be no claims of exclusion. Those saying they have been denied a chance to contest are not truthful,” he said.
“Knut is a democratic union. The democracy in Knut allows any other person qualified to contest to go for elections. We don’t want anybody who is insinuating that he or she is qualified and not allowed to contest,” he said.
Former secretary general Wilson Sossion, who had indicated interest in opposing Oyuu, attempted to halt the election process, but the court dismissed his application.
He had sought conservatory orders to stop the election pending the hearing of his petition, in which he alleged that Oyuu had barred him from contesting.
“The court got it right, so here we are. I know tomorrow we shall get back home with victory, if anything, each one of us has already started celebrating even before tomorrow. This leadership is ready to serve teachers for the next five years. We are only waiting for the official pronouncement by the Ministry of Labour,” Oyuu said.
The lack of competition extended beyond the secretary general position, with several top seats also attracting no challengers.
National chairman Patrick Karinga and first vice national chairman Joseph Malel Lang’at are among those set to retain their positions unopposed, alongside the deputy secretary general.
However, the assistant secretary general position remains the only top seat with a contest, drawing at least two candidates.
Other uncontested positions include national treasurer, deputy national treasurer, assistant national treasurer, the two women representative slots, trustees, and the seat representing persons with disabilities.
Oyuu said the smooth process reflects the union’s internal discipline and cohesion.
“This level of organisation attests to the fact that we deliver for the teachers of this republic. We are so strong as a union because this union is a union of order. Our process of nominations and elections are so fluid, no interruptions because of our super level of organisation.”
Once formally declared duly elected by the Ministry of Labour, Oyuu and his team will steer the union until 2031.
