Teachers Urge Baringo KNUT Executive Secretary Dr. Cheptarus Not to Seek Re-Election in 2026
But Dr. Cheptarus insisted that he will be defending his seat, saying he is fully qualified to serve even while holding a church leadership role.
By Enock Kipturgut Teachers affiliated with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) in the Baringo branch have urged their Executive Secretary, Dr. Bishop Joshua Cheptarus, not to seek re-election in the 2026 union polls.
Former assistant executive secretary Kenneth Chelagat argued that serving concurrently as a church bishop and a union executive secretary creates “two centres of loyalty,” which he said amounts to a conflict of interest.
“A bishop serves spiritual interests; a union leader serves teachers’ labour and welfare interests,” Chelagat stated.
He added that the dual roles could easily clash — morally, politically, and administratively — and called on Dr. Cheptarus to focus on church leadership so that teachers can be served more effectively.
Chelagat noted that both positions demand full-time commitment, making it difficult for one person to execute them without compromising service delivery.
He further explained that a KNUT executive secretary is expected to handle union disputes, TSC matters, court cases, welfare issues, school visits, and members’ grievances — responsibilities that require undivided attention.
However, despite his earlier concerns, Chelagat — who attended a meeting organised by Dr. Cheptarus — later resolved to support him in the 2026 KNUT general election.
Speaking to Rural Times Newspaper, Dr. Cheptarus confirmed that he will be defending his seat, insisting he is fully qualified to serve even while holding a church leadership role.
More than 100 members converged at Marigat town in the 2026 union elections planning meeting.
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