ODM leader Raila Odinga's presidential bid has received a major boost after the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) declared support for his march to State House.
While addressing the media on Monday, March 21, 2022, KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu stated that the union works closely with the government and supports its ideologies.
Oyuu further noted that President Uhuru Kenyatta has already declared support for Odinga and they are going to follow suit.
He argued that the former premier stands a high chance of becoming Kenya's next President after the endorsement from Uhuru.
Read More
The KNUT secretary-general further stated that teachers in the country want to be on the right side ahead of the August 9 general elections.
“Kenya National Union of Teachers will forever work with the government of the day… I have no otherwise, I have to toe the line as requested by my team, the National Executive Council (NEC). KNUT must work with the government of the day so that we can succeed. We as KNUT, we are in Azimio.
“If the government of the day has endorsed Raila Odinga as the fifth president who am I to take a different direction? I’m telling you we are in Azimio,” Oyuu stated.
The endorsement by KNUT comes as a huge boost to Odinga as the union boasts a massive following of teachers countrywide.
The former prime minister has enjoyed a good rapport with the teacher's union over the years. He has been vocal about issues affecting teachers and on a number of occasions has stepped in to help resolve standoffs between teachers and the government in the event of strikes.
Former KNUT Sec-Gen Wilson Sossion was nominated to parliament by ODM, again indicating KNUT's relationship with Odinga.
This is the first time Oyuu has made a political declaration since he assumed the role in June 2021.
