By Nyang’au Araka
Former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Wilson Sossion reunited with his former boss and mentor, Francis Ng’ang’a, in a meeting that reflected on their shared history in the teachers’ union.
In a social media post, Sossion described the meeting with the former KNUT secretary-general as an opportunity to reconnect with a man whose mentorship played a significant role in his rise through the union’s leadership.
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He credited Ng’ang’a with giving him an opportunity to grow from his beginnings as a union official in Bomet in 2001 to become a national official, eventually rising to the position of secretary-general.
“Today I had the distinct honour and privilege of sitting down with my mentor, my predecessor and a towering figure in the history of KNUT, Mzee Francis Ng’ang’a,” Sossion wrote.
He recalled that Ng’ang’a provided him with space to serve and develop his leadership abilities at a critical stage of his career.
Sossion also praised his former mentor’s leadership following the death of longtime KNUT Secretary-General Ambrose Adongo in 2001, saying his firm and charismatic approach helped stabilise the union.
“Mzee Ng’ang’a is the man who gave me space and mentored me when I rose from Bomet Branch in 2001 to serve as a National Official of our great Union,” he said.
From union activism to TSC
The reunion comes at an interesting point in Sossion’s career, following his appointment as a commissioner of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), marking a transition from representing teachers through their union to serving in the institution responsible for managing their professional affairs.
Sossion was appointed by President William Ruto in September 2026 for a six-year term alongside former TSC Director of Staffing Antonina Lentoijoni.
He previously served as KNUT secretary-general between 2013 and 2021, having entered national union leadership after serving at branch level. He was also nominated to Parliament in 2017, where he represented the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
His latest appointment has placed him in a different position in the education sector, having spent years advocating for teachers’ interests and engaging the TSC over employment terms, remuneration and working conditions.
Reflecting on the journey, Sossion said the values he acquired under Ng’ang’a’s mentorship continued to guide his approach to serving teachers.
“My journey from a Branch Official to Secretary General of KNUT, to Member of Parliament and now to TSC Commissioner is a journey that was shaped and made possible by Mzee Ng’ang’a,” he wrote.
A legacy of union leadership
Ng’ang’a served as KNUT secretary-general from 2001 to 2008, succeeding Ambrose Adongo, who died in March 2001 after leading the union for approximately three decades.
According to KNUT’s historical records, Ng’ang’a was succeeded by Lawrence Majali, while Sossion later took over the secretary-general’s position in 2013.
Ng’ang’a’s tenure was marked by continued engagement with the Government over teachers’ remuneration and working conditions. He also played a role in sustaining the union’s advocacy following Adongo’s long and influential leadership.
Beyond his union career, Ng’ang’a has remained associated with education and charitable initiatives through the Francis Ng’ang’a Foundation, which focuses on supporting children’s access to education and advancing teachers’ and learners’ welfare.
At the reunion, Sossion was particularly struck by his former mentor’s continued interest in teachers’ affairs despite having left the union’s top office years ago.
“At his age, Mzee remains sharp, humorous and deeply concerned about the welfare of Kenyan teachers,” he said, expressing gratitude for his life and wisdom.
