Cracks emerge in UASU over Raila support
By Joshua Cheloti
Cracked have emerged within the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) following a declaration by union national officials that they will support ODM leader Raila Odinga's presidential bid under the Azimio la Umoja.
UASU officials led by Constantine Wesonga on Tuesday met the former Prime Minister in Nairobi where the declaration was made.
Wesonga said the decision was made following a deep analysis of the candidates who have expressed interest to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“We have decided the former Prime Minister is our own, can we go out and campaign,” he noted during the meeting.
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File image of UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga (C). |Photo| Courtesy|[/caption]
But according to Phillip Chebunet, one of the UASU National Executive Committee (NEC) members, the stand by Wesonga and the 100 lecturers that met Raila was not the official position of Uasu.
“It was a sad day in the history of Uasu that national officials can accompany ODM supporters to visit baba and purport to decide on behalf of union saying all dons support baba,” Chebunet said, in a media briefing in Eldoret town.
The University of Eldoret Uasu Secretary-General further noted that the union matters should not be politicized.
He said rather than endorsing a Raila presidency, Uasu officials should have engaged other members to draft a memorandum that would have been presented to the ODM leader.
Chebunet says Uasu members, just like any other Kenyan and members of other unions should be allowed to vote for their preferred candidates in the August 9 poll.
“Making general statements that all lecturers support Raila is wrong. Everybody in the union has his/her own candidate. If we decide to bring our candidates to Uasu we will not serve the interest of the union,” said the UASU NEC member.
He also accused officials that met Raila as self-centered and individuals out to sell the union.
“All Kenyans should know that workers are free to choose leaders they want from MCA to President,” Chebunet said.
File image of UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga (C). |Photo| Courtesy|[/caption]
But according to Phillip Chebunet, one of the UASU National Executive Committee (NEC) members, the stand by Wesonga and the 100 lecturers that met Raila was not the official position of Uasu.
“It was a sad day in the history of Uasu that national officials can accompany ODM supporters to visit baba and purport to decide on behalf of union saying all dons support baba,” Chebunet said, in a media briefing in Eldoret town.
The University of Eldoret Uasu Secretary-General further noted that the union matters should not be politicized.
He said rather than endorsing a Raila presidency, Uasu officials should have engaged other members to draft a memorandum that would have been presented to the ODM leader.
Chebunet says Uasu members, just like any other Kenyan and members of other unions should be allowed to vote for their preferred candidates in the August 9 poll.
“Making general statements that all lecturers support Raila is wrong. Everybody in the union has his/her own candidate. If we decide to bring our candidates to Uasu we will not serve the interest of the union,” said the UASU NEC member.
He also accused officials that met Raila as self-centered and individuals out to sell the union.
“All Kenyans should know that workers are free to choose leaders they want from MCA to President,” Chebunet said. What's Your Reaction?
