COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli. /COTUThe Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has denied interfering in the affairs of the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (Kudheiha), even as it called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate alleged leadership and financial impropriety at the union.
Cotu said the allegations of interference were intended to divert attention from questions surrounding the management of the union following the death of Albert Njeru, who served as Kudheiha’s general secretary and Cotu’s treasurer general.
In a statement, Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli dismissed the accusations, saying they misrepresented the issues facing the union.
“From the outset, Cotu wishes to categorically dismiss these allegations as misleading, mischievous and calculated to divert public attention from the serious questions surrounding the conduct of certain individuals,” Atwoli said.
Kudheiha held its five-year elections in May 2026 at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu, where members elected new leaders.
Cotu said the union’s subsequent leadership arrangements following Njeru’s death should be guided by its constitution and established succession procedures.
The labour body said concerns had emerged over the authenticity of signatures reportedly collected in connection with attempts to change leadership arrangements, as well as management and use of union funds.
“These are serious matters which, if substantiated, would raise fundamental questions about financial accountability, the authenticity of union records and the integrity of its governance processes,” Atwoli said.
He said Cotu had formally requested the DCI to examine the financial affairs of Kudheiha’s headquarters and branches, the handling of union resources and the authenticity of documents allegedly used in the leadership disputes.
The proposed investigations, he said, should establish whether any offences had been committed.
“Such investigations should establish the facts, identify any wrongdoing and ensure that any person found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law,” Atwoli said.
He emphasised that the dispute went beyond competing claims over union leadership, warning that the management of members’ contributions demanded transparency and accountability.
“Cotu wishes to make it abundantly clear that workers’ contributions are sacred resources entrusted to trade unions for the protection and advancement of workers’ rights and welfare,” he said.
Cotu urged Kudheiha members, branch officials and elected leaders to uphold the union’s constitution and reject misinformation, intimidation and attempts to establish parallel leadership structures.
The labour union said democratic governance, constitutionalism and accountability were essential to protecting workers’ interests and maintaining stability within affiliated unions.
