KNUT Elections: Oyuu Declares Himself “Joshua” to Deliver Teachers to “Canaan” Amid Heated Campaign
HOMA BAY, Kenya — Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu has intensified his re-election campaign with a bold biblical analogy, declaring: “If someone calls himself Moses then I am Joshua. I am the one who is going to deliver teachers to Canaan.”
Speaking during a campaign tour in Homa Bay ahead of Friday’s crucial union elections, Oyuu urged teachers to rally behind his leadership, crediting his tenure with strengthening the union after years of internal and external challenges.
Oyuu Warns Against Political Interference
The KNUT leader issued a stern caution to politicians and external actors, warning them against meddling in the union’s internal affairs.
“It is very unfortunate that somebody is referring to himself as biblical Moses yet he cannot lead anybody anywhere,” Oyuu remarked, in an apparent reference to a rival candidate.
He further advised delegates to be wary of aspirants allegedly collaborating with “outsiders” to influence the electoral outcome.
“Teachers know where we have come from with this union and what we have done to strengthen it. I appeal to teachers to shun aspirants whose main intention is to impede the gains which the union has made,” he added.
Election Details and Stakes
The high-stakes KNUT elections are scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2026, at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu. Delegates from 110 branches across the country are expected to participate in voting for the union’s next leadership team.
Key positions up for election include:
- Secretary General
- National Chairman
- Vice Chairman
- National Treasurer
- Organizing Secretary
Regional Endorsements and Campaign Momentum
Oyuu expressed confidence in his re-election prospects, claiming overwhelming support from the Nyanza region.
“All 21 branches in Nyanza have endorsed my team,” he stated, highlighting what he described as a groundswell of backing from grassroots teachers.
He reiterated that his leadership has prioritized teachers’ welfare, improved union governance, and enhanced collective bargaining capacity with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the national government.
What Teachers Are Saying
While campaign rhetoric heats up, many teachers across Kenya are closely watching the elections, hoping for continued advocacy on:
- Timely promotion and salary reviews
- Improved working conditions in rural and marginalized areas
- Stronger representation in education policy discussions
- Transparent union leadership and financial accountability
