By E, KNA
The Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) North Rift Branch has a new leader, ending Joseph Etabo’s 15-year tenure as branch secretary. Etabo was overwhelmingly voted out by flower workers in a hotly contested election, held at Eldoret Social Hall.
The winner, 34-year-old Edwin Kipruto, an employee of Equator Flower Farm, secured 187 votes, while Etabo was relegated to third position with only 110 votes. Thomas Bett came second with 177 votes. The election was overseen by officials from the Ministry of Labour in Uasin Gishu County.
Before the election, Kipruto was escorted to the hall by hundreds of supporters chanting and singing his name. The large crowd prompted police officers and county enforcement teams to secure the venue to prevent any disruption during the exercise.
Speaking after the results were announced, Etabo conceded defeat and expressed his willingness to hand over office to the new branch secretary. “I have accepted the will of the majority of flower workers who have spoken through their votes on the person they want to steer the union’s future,” he said.
During his tenure, Etabo said he had increased union membership in the region from 800 to 2,500 members, highlighting his contributions over the years.
In his acceptance speech, Kipruto called for unity among workers, pledging to champion the welfare and interests of all flower workers in the region. “I thank the workers who voted for me and even those who did not, and rest assured of my commitment to fight for better pay and working conditions for flower workers,” Kipruto stated.
He further promised to implement the visions articulated by workers during the campaign period, extending an olive branch to his former opponents. “We must work together for the welfare of all workers,” he said.
The election marks a significant generational shift in the KPAWU North Rift leadership, with many workers expressing optimism about the future under Kipruto’s youthful leadership.
Photo Caption: Edwin Kipruto celebrates with supporters in Eldoret streets after being declared winner of the KPAWU North Rift Branch Secretary election, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu.