Nyambene: Members of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Nyambene branch, have elected new union officials in an exercise that was described as peaceful, transparent, and well-coordinated. The elections were held at Igembe Central Technical and Vocational College (TVC) Saturday, drawing teachers from across the Nyambene region, who turned up early to participate in the democratic process that will determine the union's leadership for the next term.

According to Kenya News Agency, at the close of the exercise, Gerard Kamau emerged as the new branch chairman, while Maore Kabuchia clinched the position of branch executive secretary. Julius Kaigongi was elected branch treasurer, and Geofry Gitonga emerged as the branch vice chairman. The position of Special Needs Education (SNE) Representative was won by Peter Ntonjira, alongside other officials elected to various Branch Executive Committee (BEC) positions.

The exercise was overseen by officials from the KNUT National Secretariat, with security provided by the National Police Service to ensure law and order. Speaking after the polls, the Igembe Central Deputy County Commissioner, Mercy Wamalwa, commended teachers for maintaining a high sense of discipline throughout the process, noting that the elections were conducted in a calm environment free from intimidation or disruption.

'This exercise has been peaceful, transparent, and in line with the law. We appreciate the maturity shown by teachers and all stakeholders involved,' said Wamalwa. In his speech, the newly elected branch chairman thanked teachers for sacrificing their time to take part in the elections and for entrusting the new leadership with the responsibility of steering the union's affairs.

'We are grateful for the confidence teachers have shown in us. We pledge to work with integrity, unity, and transparency and to always put teachers' interests at the heart of everything we do,' Kamau said. The other elected officials echoed similar sentiments, promising to strengthen unity within the branch, defend teachers' rights, and actively engage education stakeholders to address issues affecting teachers in the region.