COTU hits back at Gachagua over ‘reckless attacks’ on labour movement

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has fired a scathing attack at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, condemning what it terms “unwarranted and reckless attacks” on the country’s labour movement and leadership.

The union accuses Gachagua of targeting COTU leadership in a way that risks undermining national unity and workers’ representation, insisting he has no authority in workers’ affairs and failed to deliver for them while in office.

COTU also says Francis Atwoli’s endorsement of President William Ruto was a personal view, not the union’s position.

The union says it does not oppose the formation of other unions, but insists the law recognises only the umbrella body with the largest number of affiliated unions.

“We condemn Gachagua’s remarks as political and attention-seeking. We have never opposed the formation of another workers’ umbrella. In 2014, another federation was registered but later collapsed. The law is clear: the umbrella with the majority of unions is recognised by the government, and that is COTU,” said COTU Deputy Secretary General Benson Okwaro.

KETAWU SG, Ernest Nadome added, “We already have another umbrella known as TUC. He cannot come to disrespect workers and destabilise our union. If he is demanding a 30% salary increase, what did he do when he was in office?”

More than 50 COTU affiliate unions have also dismissed Gachagua’s claims that the union has ignored workers’ concerns, insisting they remain actively engaged in wage negotiations across various sectors.

They also accuse Gachagua of seeking to divide workers for political gain, arguing he failed to deliver for workers during his tenure as Deputy President.

“Kenyan workers will not allow anyone to divide their union. He should tell us when he ever announced a salary increase for workers. He appears bitter that these gains have come after he left office. COTU is older than him, and he lacks historical understanding of trade union operations,” Nadome stated.

COTU Chairperson Rev. Joel Kandie Chebii on his part said, “We have KNUT and many other unions here, and they are the ones negotiating collective bargaining agreements on behalf of workers.”

COTU has also dismissed calls seeking the removal of Atwoli over his endorsement of President William Ruto for a second term during Labour Day celebrations.

The union maintains the remarks were made in his personal capacity and do not constitute an official COTU position.

“We all have the democratic right to choose who to support during elections. If anyone is unhappy with Atwoli’s personal opinion, that is their issue. You cannot force individuals to support a particular candidate,” stated Okwaro.