Kenya Union of Journalists-KUJ has on Saturday held elections of the Union’s officials for the Nakuru chapter.
The exercise that was overseen by Sammy Muraya from the KUJ National office and also attended by Secretary General Mr.Erick Oduor as well Media Council CEO Mr.David Omwoyo.
Ms Mercy Kahenda was elected chairperson after garnering 25 votes defeating Elijah Kinyanjui who got 13 votes.
The position of Secretary General went with Mr.Kioko wa Kivandi who garnered 30 votes against Patrick Kinyua’s 8 votes while Caren Lumbasi was unopposed for the position of treasurer.
Ms.Rachael Kibui and Karanja Josephat were also elected as Executive Committee members.
In their victory speeches,the newly elected leaders vowed to work together in ensuring that the welfare of Nakuru Journalists is taken care of.
KUJ Nakuru chapter is the first one in the country to be established after the National one and according to KUJ National Secretary General Erick Oduor, they intend to have 5 chapters for the start.
According to Oduor, other regions that will have the KUJ chapter established are Coast, Kisumu, Nyeri and Eldoret.
He called on Journalists in Nakuru to embrace the Union as it will help them address their grievances at the grass root level adding that it is a platform to also engage with other media organizations such as Medial Council of Kenya.
“When we started this discussion why we don’t have KUJ at the grass root level and so we agreed as the executive that we shall start 5 chapters as per the law and monitor. So Nakuru is the first one then we shall move to Coast, Kisumu, Nyeri and North Rift probably Eldoret” he said.
While noting that the leadership of a Union is a heavy task, Mr.Oduor called on the Nakuru chapter to be transparent in their work and maintain integrity.
Similar sentiments echoed by Media Council CEO Mr. David Omwoyo who called on journalists generally to maintain integrity in the dispensation of their duties.
PHOTO/Pristone Mambili:Newly elected KUJ officials Nakuru Chapter.
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