COTU denies involvement in KUDHEIHA leadership wrangles

The rebuttal follows a statement issued by disgruntled union members who were reportedly removed from office during union elections held on Oct. 6, 2026.

In a statement on Friday, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli dismissed the claims as misleading and calculated to divert attention from constitutional breaches.

“The allegations are misleading, mischievous and calculated to divert public attention from the serious questions surrounding the conduct of certain individuals who appear determined to undermine the constitutional governance of KUDHEIHA,” said Atwoli in a press statement.

According to COTU, the current leadership dispute was sparked by the death of Albert Njeru, who served as KUDHEIHA General Secretary and COTU Treasurer General.

COTU clarified that following Njeru’s death, Thomas Mboya rightfully assumed the role of Acting General Secretary following the union’s May 2026 elections in Kisumu.

"For the avoidance of doubt, it has never occurred that upon the death of a General Secretary an official occupying the position of a Deputy Treasurer assumed the office of General Secretary while there are elected senior leaders of the union present," COTU stated making claims of an attempt to seize control of the union illegally.

COTU disclosed that it has "formally requested the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to examine the allegations surrounding the financial affairs of KUDHEIHA head office and all its branches, the handling of union resources.”

The umbrella union further called on all KUDHEIHA members, branch officials, and elected leaders to reject misinformation, intimidation, and any attempts to establish parallel leadership structures outside the established constitution.