Knut: We will back teachers seeking poll jobs

By NAFTALI MAKORI

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has said that it will support teachers seeking for various posts in the General Election, slated for March 2013.

Speaking during an Annual General Meeting for the Manga District Knut Branch, National Chairman Wilson Sossion said the union would back union members competing in elective positions in the upcoming polls.

"Teachers form critical numbers and it is our democratic right to participate in elections. We ought to play a role in this election and we believe teachers of this country can offer leadership.," said Mr Sossion.

He said the union was targeting at least 50 seats of elective positions in the next elections, and called on teachers countrywide to support candidates with interests of teachers at heart

He said the union membership had been raided by ‘outsiders’ plotting to weaken the Kenyan teacher and called for unity to give union power to bargain for their rights.

Knut maintained that election be done on December since it will ensure that schools run with minimal disruption.

"We know the Ministry of Education adjusted term dates. If campaigns begin in January, it will be chaotic in February. Our members are often deployed to help as returning officers and presiding officers and some as clerks," he argued.

He called on President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to rethink on their positions as regards to election dates and save schools from the noise associated with campaign periods.

"What will happen for two months schools? will be closed in November and December? We want elections in December and that is fairness to our schooling calendar," said Sossion.