The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu has maintained that the union’s elections will go on as planned, despite a court  order halting the process.

Speaking to journalists at the Tom Mboya Labour College, Kisumu, Oyuu said the process was already largely concluded, noting that the majority of candidates had secured their positions unopposed during nominations.

“And 95 percent of candidates are already back in office unopposed. For tomorrow, it is an event that cannot even take two hours because out of the 11 national officials, only one position is contested. The rest are not opposed,” he said.

Oyuu explained that under KNUT’s electoral framework, candidates who are unopposed automatically assume office once nominations are concluded, suggesting that the outcome for most positions had effectively been determined.

He noted that the nomination exercise had been extensive and demanding, attracting delegates from across the country, including far-flung regions such as North Eastern, Lamu and Malindi.

“This exercise started early and has been very tiresome, but our delegates have shown commitment. They travelled long distances and arrived in good time. We have gone through all nominations, and the position is clear,” he said.

The KNUT boss dismissed concerns over the legality of proceeding with the elections, maintaining that there had been no timely or proper service of any court order to halt the process during the nomination stage.

“The court process is very clear. If such an exercise is to be stopped, proper service must be done to the concerned parties at the right time. As far as we are concerned, that did not happen,” he added.

According to Oyuu, key positions including Secretary General and National Treasurer each attracted a single candidate, while only one seat among the top leadership positions is set to be contested.

“I am just waiting for the registrar’s compilation. From what we have seen, there is only one name for Secretary General and one for National Treasurer. I am confident and ready to proceed,” he said.

His comments come after the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kisumu issued temporary orders stopping the elections scheduled for April 2 and 3, following a petition filed by union member George Anyona Arek.

Justice Nzioki wa Makau directed that nominations and elections be suspended pending the hearing and determination of the case later this month.

He directed the registrar of trade unions and the KNUT, Nairobi branch, and two others, be barred from conducting the elections until the matter is determined.

“Upon considering the application, it is hereby ordered that the application is certified urgent. That pending the hearing inter parties an order of temporary injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd and third respondents from conducting and or carrying out nominations or elections of officials of KNUT,” he stated.