KMPDU Mourns COTU-K Treasurer General Albert Njeru Obed

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has mourned Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Treasurer General Albert Njeru Obed following his death.

Obed died on Saturday, August 29, 2026, after a short illness. At the time of his death, he served as COTU-K Treasurer General after spending 19 years as General Secretary of the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA).

In a condolence message issued on Sunday, August 30, KMPDU described Obed as a dedicated trade unionist who devoted his professional life to serving workers.

“For a brother. For a comrade. For a man who did not merely occupy positions, but spent his professional lifetime giving meaning to them,” KMPDU said.

KMPDU said Obed began his journey in organised labour as a shop steward before rising through the ranks to lead KUDHEIHA.

During his 19-year tenure, he represented workers in the domestic, hotel, education, hospital and allied sectors.

Legacy of Obed in Kenya’s Labour Movement

Throughout his tenure at KUDHEIHA, Obed negotiated on behalf of workers and advocated for better working conditions. He also defended employees’ rights in various labour engagements.

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Moreover, his work extended beyond workplace negotiations. Court records show that Obed represented KUDHEIHA in employment and labour disputes, including a 2025 case involving Moi University and workers affected by redundancy.

KMPDU said these efforts formed part of a broader legacy that went beyond the leadership positions Obed occupied.

“He leaves behind more than resolutions, collective bargaining agreements and negotiated gains. He leaves behind years of service to a cause much larger than any one office he held,” the Union stated

After years at KUDHEIHA, Obed moved into COTU-K’s national leadership, where he served as Treasurer General.

The position placed him among the senior officials responsible for advancing the interests of affiliated trade unions and their members.

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Labour Movement Reacts to Obed’s Death

Meanwhile, COTU-K Secretary General Francis Atwoli joined other labour leaders in mourning Obed and recognised his contribution to the trade union movement.

Similarly, KMPDU joined COTU-K, KUDHEIHA and the wider labour movement in remembering the veteran trade unionist. The doctors’ union also sent its condolences to Obed’s family, colleagues and comrades.

“To his family, his comrades, and the many workers who knew and worked with him, we extend our sincere condolences. The labour movement has lost a comrade and a steadfast advocate for workers,” the Union added.

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A photo of KMPDU Secretary general and CEO Dr Davji Atellah accompanied by Deputy Secretary General Dr Miskellah Dennis (in a red sweater) and other KMPDU officials, during a briefing on the interdiction of the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Nairobi on February 23, 2026. PHOTO/ KNA