Ministry bars Sossion from kicking out Nzili, Kaguma

The Labour office on Tuesday barred KNUT Secretary General, Wilson Sossion from sending the union’s chairman Mudzo Nzili and his deputy Samson Kaguma into early retirement.

Mr. Sossion, on Friday, served Nzili, and Kaguma, with early retirement letters and went ahead to set December 4th as the election date to get their replacements. Sossion appointed the second vice-chairman, Wickliffe Omucheyi, as the acting chair.

However, the Labour Ministry barred the union from kicking them out as they are not yet past the mandatory retirement age of 60 years. Nzili was set to retire in May while Kaguma in April next year.

The letter, signed by Hellen Apiyo on behalf of the Labour Commissioner, and addressed to Sossion, read; “In light of the above and having referred to article 18(c) of the union constitution, it would be unlawful to proceed with the planed by-elections scheduled for December 14, since the positions are not yet vacant.”

Sossion dismissed the letter saying; “The Ministry of Labour cannot purport to run trade union. The union must be allowed to engage in their activities within their constitution.”

He further added that the matter would be brought before the 44-member National Executive Council for further directions.