Nyatike MP Tom Odege was on Thursday ousted as the secretary general of the Union of Kenya Civil Servants. He lost in a tightly contested election that marked a major shift in the leadership of one of the country’s most influential public sector unions.
Delegates elected Lawrence Nyaguti as the new secretary general after he secured 102 votes against Odege’s 63, with one spoiled ballot.
The polls were held at a hotel in Mombasa.
Odege, who has served in the position for 24 years, conceded defeat and thanked members for their support during his tenure.
“After 24 years of service, I can only thank members for their trust and wish them well in the new dispensation,” the MP said.
The elections also ushered in a new team across the union’s top leadership positions.
Geoffrey Korir was elected chairman, deputised by Titi Mohammed Mbwana and Benedict Makuthu Kitheka as first and second deputy chairpersons respectively.
Confat Ademba and Julius Metto were elected as first and second national deputy secretaries general, while Stella Okaka and Velmah Anyiso Nakuti took up assistant secretary roles.
Judy Wangari was elected treasurer, assisted by Ambrose Kibet, while Wilson Asingo and Esther King’ori were picked as organising secretary and deputy, respectively.
The broader representation saw Mary Mukiri elected women leader, with Ellon Cheruyiot taking up the young workers representative slot.
Trustees elected include Mevy Nyachienga, Joses Ntwiga and Maurice Wanyonyi.
“These elections were not just about leadership change, but about restoring the voice of civil servants,” a delegate who attended the polls said.
The elections were held against the backdrop of prolonged legal disputes that have dogged the union’s leadership for years.
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