KNUT Secretary General and TUC-K leader Wilson Sossion during NASA rally. [Photo: Courtesy]The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has distanced itself from supporting any political outfit, ahead of the August 8, polls.This is contrary to assurance by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary General Wilson Sossion, that teachers are behind Opposition's National Super Alliance (Nasa).During a Nasa rally at the Bomet Green Stadium, Saturday July 1, Sossion who doubles up as the chairman of the Trade Union Congress - Kenya (TUC-K), introduced various Knut branch officials, and Kuppet official, who he said were present in the rally, and ready to support Raila for presidency.They included Knut Kericho, Sotik, Eldamaravin, Bomet branches, among others, including Kuppet chairman."I am here as teachers representative and TUC-K leader, representing workers. I want to tell you that the Nasa Manifesto has included teachers plight. It is evident that Nasa government will employ 20,000 teachers in the next four years. What else do we need if all teachers are in Nasa government?" said Sossion.He noted that teachers had suffered lot in the past governments, hence need to change and support a government with good intentions for them."Let us all walk with Nasa. Raila is the incoming president and he has assured me that teachers and the education sector will be prioritised in his government," he told Bomet residents and teachers at large.However, Kuppet has issued a short statement, through its social media account, saying it will work with any political outfit that forms Kenya's fifth government."As the polls approaches, the union urges members to vote as per their own democratic volition as we have no preferred coalition or party or candidate," read the statement in part."As a union representing diverse membership, we shall be ready to work with the government elected by Kenyans to ensure teachers' issues are fully addressed. Kuppet Power!" it added, Monday.
This deals a major blow to Nasa, since it was affirmed of teachers' support.
Sossion's name was submitted to IEBC, to be a nominated MP representing workers, in the 12th parliament.