Civil Servants Oppose Sunday Union Elections

 Grassroots officials of the Union of Kenya Civil Servants have opposed a move to hold national elections on Sunday, terming it as prejudicial and a violation of Christians' right of worship.

During a meeting in Embu town, the aggrieved officials have vowed to reject the results of an election held on Sunday September 5 2021; a day that most delegates would not be available to vote, then move to court to have the outcome quashed on technicalities.

Led by Meru South Executive Secretary Annisia Riungu, they also wondered why the election was being rushed, yet on August 31 2021, the Employment and Labour Relations Court gave the union 30 days to elect national officials after nullification of another election held on August 22.

The officials also expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to only allow delegates three working days for campaigns for various national positions, pointing out that mounting a countrywide vote-hunting mission required time and mobilisation of adequate finances.

Union Secretary General Tom Odege came under sharp criticism for attempting to rig himself in as the sole candidate after a ruling delivered by Lady Justice Maureen Onyango barred Justus Kinywa Mugo and Jerry ole Kina from contesting for the position.

Not invited

Odege was also blamed for locking some branch officials out of the national elections
to shield himself from opposition. The officials said any delegate who does not support the current Secretary General has not been invited for the elections. The officials also claim that some contestants belong to other Trade Unions, contrary to stipulations of the Civil Service Code of Regulations.

The Union’s constitution allows non-civil servants who are not eligible to run for other posts to vie for the Secretary General position, but a proposal by the National Delegates Conference imposes a Sh 3Million fee for such candidates.

Mugo who is the current National Treasurer resigned from Civil Service to vie for the Manyatta parliamentary seat while ole Kina, the Vice Secretary General retired after attaining the age of 60. Odege, on the other hand, is the MP for Nyatike.

Mugo and ole Kina were both vying for the Secretary General position but were ruled ineligible for being non-civil servants, while Odege was cleared under circumstances that delegates consider questionable.

The officials are now calling for ample time for lobbying before the national election is held, posing that a hasty and disorganised exercise would only favour incumbents.

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT