Edwin Kipruto Ends Etabo’s 15-Year Tenure in Hotly Contested Flower Workers Union Election
Speaking to the media after the election, Etabo conceded defeat saying that he was ready and willing to hand over the office to the newly elected regional branch Secretary.
Etabo was trounced by little known 34-year Edwin Kipruto, an employee of equator flower farm who garnered 187 votes in an election that was held at Eldoret Social Hall. Photo/Courtesy
By Hubzmedia Reporter
Etabo’s 15 years reign has been terminated with the overwhelming vote by the flower workers to remove him in a hotly contested election.
A little known 34-year-old Edwin Kipruto, who works for Equator Flower Farm, was voted in, getting 187 votes in an election that was held at Eldoret Social Hall, where Etabo allegedly met his match.
Kipruto’s victory over Thomas Bett, who received 177 votes, relegated Etabo to a distant third place with only 110 votes in an election monitored by officials from the Ministry of Labour in Uasin Gishu County.
Before the election commenced, an entourage of hundreds of workers trailed the youthful secretary-elect into the multi-purpose hall, singing and chanting his name.
In fear of intimidation of an election that had attracted a lot of interest, the police together with some county enforcement officers had to maintain security in the venue.
After the election, the outgoing election administrator confessed defeat before the media and stated he was ready and willing to hand over the office to the newly elected regional branch secretary.
“I have accepted the will of the majority flower workers union who have spoken through their votes on the person they want to steer the union’s future,” Etabo said.
He stated that his tenure was characterized by growth in the union membership in the region from 800 to 2,500 members.
In his acceptance speech following his declaration as the winner, Kipruto called for unity as he pledged to fight for the welfare and interest of all flower workers in the region.
“I thank the workers who voted for me and even those who did not cast their votes for me and rest assured of my commitment to fight for better pay for the flower workers.”
He extended an olive branch to his opponents while reiterating his commitment to implementing the visions articulated by flower workers in the region during the campaign period.
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