KNUT SG Oyuu Tells Rivals to “Come Baby Come” as Campaigns Begin
They commended him for stabilising relations with TSC, conducting sober negotiations, and championing teachers’ welfare without unnecessary confrontation.
He called on teachers to protect the unity being witnessed within the union and reject any attempt to derail the peace and progress enjoyed for the last couple of years. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Kenya National Union of Teachers KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu has declared his readiness to defend his seat in next year’s national elections, confidently dismissing speculation that former SG Wilson Sossion may stage a comeback to challenge him.
Oyuu met representatives from 25 KNUT branches across the Rift Valley and told members that he welcomes any competitor, maintaining that his record speaks for itself. He credited his tenure with restoring calm, unity and a stronger sense of direction within the union, particularly after years marked by internal wrangles and strained relations with key education stakeholders.
Addressing teachers and branch officials, Oyuu clarified that he had not traveled to the Rift Valley to lobby for votes. Instead, he said the overwhelming show of support from the region’s branches was voluntary and a demonstration of their confidence in his stewardship. He praised the current national leadership for what he called “visible achievements,” adding that the team has handled union matters with strategy, patience, and careful thought.
According to Oyuu, one of his administration’s greatest strengths is collective leadership. He reminded members that KNUT’s progress is a shared effort, stating that the union does not operate through individual heroism. “There is no solo operation in KNUT,” he noted, adding that whenever progress is registered, it is the entire team-not a single office bearer-that deserves credit.
He maintained that the support he enjoys from teachers across the country is so clear and consistent that doubting it would amount to “doubting the obvious.” Oyuu declared that he and his team have been preparing for the 2025 elections long before campaigns were formally launched.
“We are more than ready-ready like yesterday,” he said confidently. In a bold, playful challenge to his critics, he added, “Anyone who wishes to enter the race, come baby come! We shall face it head-on. Welcome to your immediate downfall.”
His remarks were greeted with applause from leaders of the branch in Rift Valley, who later gave a unanimous vote of confidence in his leadership. They commended him for stabilising relations with TSC, conducting sober negotiations, and championing teachers’ welfare without unnecessary confrontation.
West Pokot Executive Secretary Etary Sembelio Martin, who spoke on behalf of the regional branches, reiterated that they would continue to support Oyuu and the entire national leadership team. He called on teachers to protect the unity being witnessed within the union and reject any attempt to derail the peace and progress enjoyed for the last couple of years. As campaign season now gets underway in earnest, Oyuu seems poised to join the fray with a solid foundation in place and on a platform of unity, continuity, and mature leadership.
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