COTU Fires Back at Rigathi Gachagua Over Union Criticism

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks about the labour movement, warning that attacks on organised labour will not be accepted.

In a strongly worded statement, COTU said Gachagua was advancing a harmful political agenda. The union defended its Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, citing his long record in promoting workers’ rights. 

It contrasted this with what it described as Gachagua’s divisive conduct. COTU also rejected his proposal to form a rival workers’ umbrella body, calling it misguided and driven by personal grievances rather than labour concerns. It stressed that trade unions are established institutions with historical roots.

The dispute follows Labour Day celebrations where President William Ruto announced wage increases, including a 12 percent general rise and a 15 percent increase for agricultural minimum wages. COTU suggested Gachagua’s remarks may be linked to these measures. 

Atwoli said attempts to create parallel organisations would not weaken the existing movement, which represents millions of workers and is recognised internationally.

Gachagua has accused Atwoli of failing workers and aligning too closely with successive governments. 

He argued that union leadership has not protected employees from rising deductions and called for the creation of an alternative body. Speaking at a workers’ forum in Nairobi, he said a new organisation would offer workers greater choice.