Knut Secretary general Wilson Sossion (right) and Chairman Mudzo Nzili (left). [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has been cautioned against holding elections to replace Mudzo Nzili, its chairman.
The Labour Ministry says Nzili has not attained the retirement age.
Knut Secretary General Wilson Sossion in a letter asked Nzili to proceed on terminal leave pending retirement.
The letter sparked a standoff that has ignited wars at the heart of the teachers' union.
Nzili read mischief in what he described as a hurried move to push him out of the union.
A statement from the ministry said that it would be unlawful to proceed with the planned by-elections scheduled for December 14 since no positions are vacant.
The statement said that the ministry has received letters of objection from Nzili and the 1st Vice Chairman Samson Kaguma who both stated that they have not attained the mandatory retirement age.
“We wish to inform you that we have received letters of objection by the Chairman, Mr. Mudzo Nzili, and the 1st Vice Chairman Mr. Samson Kaguma who have both indicate that they are yet to attain the mandatory age of retirement of 60 years stipulated by the Union constitution,” said the ministry.
“In light of the above and having referred to Article 18 (c) of the union constitution it would be unlawful to proceed with the planned by-elections scheduled for 14th December 2017 since the positions are not yet vacant. For further details on this matter, you are advised to please contact the Registrar of Trade Unions.”