COTU Fires Back After Gachagua Called Atwoli a “Political Broker” and Proposed Formation of Rival Workers’ Union

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) (COTU) has strongly condemned remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, defending Secretary General Francis Atwoli and dismissing the attacks on trade unions as reckless and politically driven.

In a statement dated May 6, 2026, the union said such criticism undermines the labour movement’s integrity and its long-standing role in protecting workers’ rights.

COTU also rejected Gachagua’s suggestion to form a rival labour umbrella body. It insisted that Kenya’s labour movement has deep historical roots dating back to the early 1900s.

The union further noted that many affiliated unions existed long before Gachagua entered politics. It also pointed to recent Labour Day gains announced by President William Ruto, including a 12% general wage increase and a 15% rise in agricultural minimum wages.

“It is rather unfortunate and, to a great extent, amusing that Mr. Gachagua, who appears to possess an extremely shallow understanding of labour history, now seeks to speak on matters he clearly does not comprehend,” the statement read.

COTU Links Remarks to Political Bitterness

The union said Gachagua’s criticism reflects divisive politics following his impeachment. It suggested his remarks stem from bitterness rather than concern for workers. COTU also questioned whether his anger followed the President’s Labour Day appearance or what it called “the last stages of grief.”

“The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K), has taken note of the unfortunate, unwarranted, reckless and publicity-seeking attacks directed at COTU (K), its Secretary General Francis Atwoli and affiliated trade unions by the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,” the statement added.

Also Read: COTU Responds to Claims of Seven Petitions Challenging Atwoli’s Election and New Officials

Atwoli Defended as Veteran Labour Leader

COTU defended Francis Atwoli’s record, contrasting it with Gachagua’s political history. The union said Atwoli has consistently defended workers despite facing arrests and harassment.

“Unlike Mr. Gachagua, whose public record is largely associated with primitive accumulation of wealth, corruption related arrests and endless political drama, the COTU (K) Secretary General, Dr. Francis Atwoli, has been arrested, harassed and persecuted for defending workers and fighting for social justice,” COTU stated.

Union Rejects Proposal for Rival Body

COTU dismissed Gachagua’s call for a parallel labour organisation. It described the proposal as unrealistic and rooted in a misunderstanding of trade union structures.

The union reaffirmed that it remains a legally recognised national labour centre with millions of members and international backing.

“Moreover, his calls for the formation of another umbrella body to rival COTU (K) are not only laughable but expose his complete ignorance of trade unionism and labour organization,” the Union stated.

Also Read: COTU Addresses Viral Video of Atwoli Being Heckled

The Union Cites Labour Reforms and Wage Gains

The union also linked the criticism to ongoing labour reforms. It noted recent efforts to ratify international conventions on domestic workers and workplace harassment.

COTU suggested these policy gains may have triggered political discomfort among critics.

COTU concluded by warning against further attacks on the labour movement. It pledged to remain focused on its mandate despite political pressure.

“Finally, we wish to make it categorically clear that the affiliates of COTU (K) shall not tolerate Gachagua’s divisive politics, cheap propaganda, reckless vitriol and sustained attacks against the Kenyan labour movement,” COTU said.

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A press statement by the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) issued on May 6, 2026, addressing remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and defending Secretary General Francis Atwoli over labour-related claims. PHOTO/ COTU Kenya X