More than 5,000 members of the 70-year-old Dock Workers Union (DWU) have turned out to elect new officials in a highly anticipated election, marking a significant milestone after years of protracted legal battles and internal leadership disputes that had threatened the stability of one of Kenya’s oldest trade unions.
The election, which follows a court decision allowing the exercise to proceed, is being conducted peacefully across designated polling stations, with members expressing optimism that the outcome will usher in a new era of unity and stability within the union.
Members are voting to fill key leadership positions, including General Secretary, National Chairman, National Vice Chairman and Assistant General Secretary.
Among the closely watched contests is the race for General Secretary, where Abubakar Abdullahi faces off against Salim Kumaka. The National Chairman position has attracted Gunda Kaneno and Hassan Shabura, while the National Vice Chairman seat is being contested by Abdalla Randani, Amini Musya, Moris Morangi Mayega and Shafi Ali. Gideon Matiku and Rashid Mwagassare are vying for the Assistant General Secretary position.
A spot check at polling stations located at the Port of Mombasa Headquarters, Mobile Plant and Engineering, Container Terminal One (CT1), MCC, Baggage Hall and Dockyard established that the voting exercise was proceeding in a calm, orderly and peaceful manner, with voters turning out steadily and polling activities running without disruption.
Voting is expected to continue until the official close of polling at 6:00 p.m., after which ballots from all polling stations will be tallied before the final results are announced later in the evening.
Dock Workers Union Election Committee Chairman Renson Thoya said polling commenced at 6:00 a.m. as scheduled and had progressed smoothly without any major incidents.
He noted that the final voter turnout would be known after polling closes and confirmed that the election is being conducted at nine polling stations spread across the Port of Mombasa, the Nairobi Inland Container Depot (ICD), the Port of Lamu and the Kenya Ferry crossing channel.
“We have not encountered any challenge that requires us to raise an alarm. I have been in constant communication with the Presiding Officers to ensure a seamless election. Should any issue arise, agents representing all candidates should be involved so that it is resolved amicably,” said Thoya.
He commended the candidates’ agents for their cooperation and commitment to ensuring a credible electoral process.
National Chairperson candidate Gunda Kaneno lauded the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) management for providing a conducive environment that enabled union members to exercise their democratic right to elect new leaders.
Christine Wambua, a KPA employee and chief campaigner for General Secretary candidate Abubakar Abdullahi, also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.
“It has not been easy to conduct this election because we faced several challenges, but with God’s help everything has gone on well,” she said, expressing confidence that the process would strengthen the union’s democratic traditions.
By Sadik Hassan
