Gachagua calls for new workers’ movement to rival COTU, slams Atwoli for 'selling out' workers

Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of the Kenya Labour Market and Worker Welfare Report 2026, Gachagua claimed the economy has slowed sharply and alleged that officials who publish “unfavourable” figures risk being punished.

“Our economy… has dipped from 7.6 per cent growth in 2021 to the current 4.6 per cent. Numbers do not lie,” Gachagua said.

He claimed the President was disputing figures released by a government department and alleged the official in charge could be sacked.

“A department in his own government has released figures… and he is saying those numbers are lying,” he said.

Gachagua took aim at COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, accusing him of abandoning workers and aligning with the government.

“We have a labour union led by a professional broker… he was seen dancing happily with the oppressor shouting two terms,” he said.

Gachagua urged workers to use their political power, arguing that deductions such as PAYE, SHA, NSSF and the housing levy have left households struggling.

“There was a time when a payslip meant dignity in Kenya. Now… 30 to 40 per cent of workers’ wages are gone through deductions,” he said.

He described the housing levy as “avoidable” and claimed billions of shillings were being squeezed from payslips, calling for greater scrutiny over how the funds are held and used.

“It is about time we created another alternative organization for workers against COTU so that workers have a choice,” Gachagua said, adding that he expected resistance from the Registrar of Trade Unions.

He also claimed rising costs, including fuel prices, had worsened the burden on workers, and said the 2027 election should be framed around the payslip.

“The fate of your payslips rest on your hands,” he told workers.

At the same event, former Private Security Regulatory Authority director general Fazul Mohamed said workers’ deductions have increased without matching salary increments, arguing that “the payslip is now a source of depression rather than happiness.”

He said the working class would play a key role in 2027, calling for restructuring of COTU and the rise of new labour unions.

Kenya Labour Union SG Okala urged the government to review the minimum wage increment, arguing that the current offer is not enough amid the high cost of living.