Teachers Petition Against KNUT Unconstitutional Changes and Suspension of Officials
Teachers from Migori County, Rongo KNUT branch, have submitted an urgent petition to the Senate, raising serious concerns about the management and governance of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).
The petition highlights alleged arbitrary changes to the KNUT constitution, the suspension of officials in various branches, and other issues affecting the teacher’s union.
In a letter dated August 16, 2023, addressed to the Clerk of the Senate, the petitioner, Mr. Nixon Odhiambo Ngutu, highlights critical matters that have sparked deep concern among teachers and citizens alike. The petition emphasizes the following key points:
Unlawful Amendments to the KNUT Constitution: The petition claims that KNUT has been operating under a constitution that its members have not properly amended. This raises questions about the legitimacy of the union’s operations and decisions.
Composition of Teacher Representatives:
The petitioner highlights alleged discrepancies in the composition of teacher representatives within KNUT’s national office and branches. Contrary to the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) definition of an “active teacher,” the claim suggests that the majority of these representatives are retired teachers.
Deregistration of Retired Teachers:
The petitioner alleges that KNUT has not adhered to TSC regulations regarding the deregistration of retired teachers from the payroll, potentially leading to financial improprieties.
Discriminatory Election Criteria:
The petition raises concerns over a requirement that teachers vying for national office positions must be among the top four members of a branch, which the petitioner deems discriminatory.
Discrepancies in Meeting Resolutions:
The petitioner claims that the minutes and resolutions deposited with the registrar of societies do not accurately represent the decisions made by KNUT delegates.
Transparency in Retirement Ages:
The petitioner requests transparency regarding the retirement ages of KNUT officials, particularly those who fall under Secretary General Collins Henry Oyuu’s protection.
Age Limitations for Elected Officials:
The petition highlights a clause in the constitution that implies age should not be a factor in serving a full term if elected, addressing concerns about age-related limitations.
Branch Amalgamation:
The petitioner expresses concerns over the amalgamation of branches, suggesting that this move goes against the principles of devolution and equitable service delivery.
Funding Allocation:
The petitioner questions the rationale behind allocating funds to branches and suggests that the National Executive Council (NEC) should be in charge of making decisions rather than a system based solely on numerical strength.
Nature of the KNUT Union:
The petitioner underscores that KNUT is meant to represent active teachers and not retired ones, asserting that this fundamental principle should be upheld.
Allegations of Economic Mismanagement:
The petitioner accuses Secretary General Collins Henry Oyuu of economic mismanagement, alleging discrepancies between KNUT records and TSC records regarding retired officials.
Personal Influence in Branch Affairs:
The petition claims that Mr. Oyuu has been exerting personal influence over branch affairs, citing examples of selective replacement of officials.
Disqualification of Officials:
The petitioner raises concerns about the election of officials who had reached the mandatory retirement age, suggesting this may have violated rules and regulations.
The petitioner appeals to the Senate to intervene and address the issues plaguing KNUT’s management, asserting that the rule of law and teacher welfare is at stake.
The allegations raised in the petition shed light on the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to established rules and regulations in the administration of a vital organization representing the interests of teachers across Kenya.
Teachers Petition Against KNUT Unconstitutional Changes and Suspension of Officials