Nurses commence talks to reconcile feuding union officials

A section of Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) members has commenced talks to resolve a presumed conflict between two of their top leadership.

It is believed that there is a rift between the union’s Executive Chairman John Bii and his Secretary General Seth Panyako as evidenced by the numerous court battles between the two in the recent past.

According to Uasin Gishu Branch KNUN Chairman, Simon Kibii, who was also the convener of the meeting, the said conflict has undermined the union’s vision of fighting for the rights of nurses in the country.

“The court battles have failed to solve the problem and that is why we have decided to solve our problems internally as a union because we believe we have members with integrity required to put the matter to bed,” said Simon Kibii.

Earlier this month, Employment and Labor Relations Court Judge, Monica Mbaru, temporarily reversed the decision of Kenya Union of Nurses (KNUN) executive committee that resolved to fire chairman John Bii from the union.

Justice Mbaru reinstated John Bii to his position as the union chair after the Secretary General Seth Panyako-led team wished him away.

In granting the order, Justice Mbaru said that the meeting held by Panyako-led executive committee was illegal and was convened contrary to court orders.

In the matter, Mr Bii had moved to court seeking orders to relief Panyako off his duties as Secretary General of the nurses union on the basis of abuse of office.

The parties have been directed to file their pleadings pending the hearing. The matter will be mentioned on February 26, 2017.

In granting the order, Justice Mbaru said that the executive committee meeting led by Panyako was illegal as the court had prohibited any meeting being held until the matter in court is done.

Written by Majanga Michael