UASU Maseno Chapter Conducts Free and Fair Elections, Ushers in New Leadership
The Universities’ Academic Staff Union Maseno Chapter successfully conducted its elections on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, at the South Wing Amphitheatre of the Professor Magoha Building. The exercise, supervised by the Kisumu County Labour Office under the stewardship of Mr. Benard Ochieng Ojwang as the presiding officer, was widely hailed as peaceful, transparent and democratic. A total of 306 members participated in the secret ballot exercise, reflecting strong confidence in the union’s democratic processes.
Election Results
Dr. George Kotuto was elected Chairman after garnering 256 votes, defeating Prof. Wycliffe Odiwuor, who received 36 votes, and Dr. David Okeyo, who secured 15 votes. Dr. Jethron Ayumba retained the position of Vice Chairman unopposed, while Dr. Onyango Stephen Okeyo emerged victorious as Secretary with 282 votes against Ms. Francesca Mibei’s 31 votes. Mr. Bryson Omwalo was returned unopposed as Organizing Secretary.
In the Assistant Secretary race, Mr. George Ojuondo won with 126 votes, followed by Dr. Malachi Apudo with 107 votes and Dr. Donnie Kasyoki with 73 votes. Dr. Jackline Okello was re-elected Treasurer after obtaining 180 votes against Dr. Dorothy Okoth’s 125 votes, while Dr. Vera Atieno was elected Assistant Treasurer with 218 votes, defeating Dr. Florence Habwe, who garnered 81 votes.
Members also elected three Trustees: Dr. Kennedy Onyango (218 votes), Mr. David Onuong’a (194 votes), and Dr. Gladys Otieno (154 votes). Dr. Caroline Wambui and Dr. Thomas Mawora were unsuccessful in the contest.
Five Delegates were elected to represent the chapter: Dr. Cynthia Anyango (238 votes), Dr. Olympia Okal (209 votes), Dr. Joash Kowino (206 votes), Mr. Jack Okumu (194 votes), and Dr. Ambogo David (180 votes). Mr. Absalom Illa, Dr. Rosh Were, and Dr. James Nyanapa were not elected.
A Landmark for Union Democracy
The elections were overseen by a three-member Chapter Electoral Board appointed by the Executive Committee on 2 March 2026. The board comprised Mr. Isaac Orwa Owino, Dr. Sarah Anyango Obinga, and Dr. Benard Odyoo Okal, whose coordination with the Kisumu County Labour Office ensured a credible and orderly process.
Notably, this election marked the first time all chapter officials were elected fully in compliance with the landmark court decision in Odoyo v Universities Academic Staff Union & another. In that judgment, the Employment and Labour Relations Court nullified Articles 8(c) and 19(f) of the UASU Constitution, effectively ending the practice of co-opting members into leadership positions. The outcome has strengthened the democratic legitimacy of the union by ensuring that all officials derive their mandate directly from members.
The union’s National Secretary General, Dr. Constantine Wasonga Opiyo, was present during the exercise and witnessed the declaration of results. Addressing members after the announcement, he congratulated the newly elected leadership and noted that negotiations for the 2025–2029 National Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) were at an advanced stage. He further called for unity and solidarity as the union continues to pursue the implementation of outstanding welfare concerns affecting members.
A Fresh Mandate for the New Leadership
The newly elected team has pledged to prioritize enforcement of the workload judgment that reduced the illegal five-course teaching load to three courses, accelerate staff promotions, improve the medical scheme, and enhance accountability in the management of union resources.
In his acceptance remarks, Chapter Secretary Dr. Onyango Stephen Okeyo expressed gratitude to members for their overwhelming support and reaffirmed his commitment to servant leadership and active engagement with members.
“We will not rest until every member feels the impact of their union,” he stated.
The elections usher in a new chapter for the UASU Maseno Chapter, grounded in accountability, democratic legitimacy, and renewed commitment to the welfare of academic staff.
Solidarity Forever!