Eldoret Court Halts Nurses’ Union Elections After Member Challenges Constitution
Justice Maureen Onyango stopped the election notice issued on November 20, 2026, as well as the polls that were scheduled to take place on February 6, 2026, pending further directions from the court
By : Mweru Mbugua
The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Eldoret has suspended the national elections of the Kenya Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUN) following a petition filed by a union member questioning the legality of the union’s constitution and electoral process
Justice Maureen Onyango stopped the election notice issued on November 20, 2026, as well as the polls that were scheduled to take place on February 6, 2026, pending further directions from the court
The petition was lodged by Kibii Koech Simion, who argued that the elections are unconstitutional and unlawful. He contended that the KNUN constitution dated December 16, 2022, and registered on August 28, 2024, was imposed without a lawful national referendum, in breach of internal union procedures and the 2010 Constitution of Kenya
Justice Onyango issued the orders after considering an application dated January 29, 2026. The court reviewed affidavits filed by the parties, a preliminary objection raised by the union, and oral submissions from lawyers representing the petitioner, respondents, and interested parties. KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako appeared in person during the proceedings
The court directed the secretary general to issue a fresh election notice in strict compliance with the union’s constitution. The notice must be widely circulated to members using personal contact details held by the union, as well as through branch secretaries and shop stewards
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Additionally, the court ruled that the eligibility of candidates must strictly adhere to the provisions of the KNUN constitution and the Labour Relations Act of 2007
