Cotu hits back at Gachagua over attacks on unions

Affiliate General Secretaries of Cotu (K) during a past meeting chaired by Secretary General Francis Atwoli at Solidarity Building in Nairobi /Cotu

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) has reprimanded former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what it termed as “unwarranted and reckless” attacks against the labour movement and its leadership.

Cotu accused Gachagua of launching a “dangerous Samsonian mission” aimed at undermining institutions, warning that Kenyan workers would not take his remarks lightly.

The union defended its secretary general Francis Atwoli, saying his record in championing workers’ rights stands in stark contrast to Gachagua’s political conduct.

“It is now increasingly evident that Gachagua has embarked on a dangerous Samsonian mission where he seeks to destroy the fabric of the whole country simply because his political future looks bleak,” the statement read.

The union dismissed Gachagua’s criticism as “publicity-seeking theatrics,” adding that the trade union movement has deep historical roots that predate the former deputy president.

“Cotu (K) is older than him and will outlive his divisive and short-lived political theatrics,” the statement said.

The union further questioned the motive behind Gachagua’s remarks, linking them to the recent Labour Day celebrations attended by  President William Ruto, where a 12 per cent general wage increase and a 15 per cent rise in agricultural minimum wages were announced.

“As Kenyan workers, we have failed to understand whether the genesis of his remarks are merely because President Ruto announced progressive measures aimed at uplifting Kenyan workers, or a manifestation of the last stages of grief,” Cotu said.

The union also took issue with Gachagua’s proposal to form an alternative workers’ umbrella organisation, terming it misguided and uninformed.

“Trade unions are not political kiosks created overnight to satisfy wounded egos or personal vendettas,” it stated.

While speaking Tuesday, Gachagua accused union leaders of abandoning workers and singled out Atwoli for criticism.

“I cannot understand how workers every year… vote back this mzee. He is just after his own stomach,” Gachagua said.

This, as he urged workers to form a new body to champion their interests.

“I want to urge you to start forming that body...next year in October when we are in office we shall register a new organisation that will champion the interests of the workers,” he said.

But, Cotu insisted the labour movement remains firmly grounded and warned against attempts to politicise workers’ issues, saying no amount of “bitterness or tribal incitement” would destabilise it.

It maintained that its affiliated unions have a long history of sacrifice and struggle for workers’ rights, noting that many leaders, including Atwoli, have faced arrest and persecution in defence of labour interests.

“Many union leaders have sacrificed their freedom, careers and personal comfort for the welfare of workers,” the statement signed by general secretaries affiliated to Cotu reads.