COTU condemns Gachagua over attacks on Atwoli
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, May 6, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been faulted by the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) for unjustified and continuous attacks on the labour movement and its leadership, including Secretary General Francis Atwoli.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday May 6, 2026, COTU (K) claimed that Gachagua has been perpetrating reckless and publicity-seeking acts against the organisation, its leadership and member unions. The workers’ umbrella body said that Gachagua’s comment was divisive and meant to attack institutions that are part of the current government.
“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 COTU-K statement read in part.
COTU (K) has said the former deputy president has gone on a dangerous mission, which risks dividing the nation, after his recent remarks as a reaction to political frustrations following his impeachment. The union also cited his actions as stemming from personal grievances and not a concern for workers.
“It is now increasingly evident that Mr 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. His theatrical performances of abusing and castigating every individual and institution perceived to have any form of association with the government of the day will not be taken kindly by Kenyan workers,” the statement added.
The organisation objected to the attacks on the labour union by Gachagua, saying he does not know the history or purpose of the labour union. It pointed out that the labour movement had a long history that goes back to the early 1900s, when some unions were formed long before Gachagua’s political career began and COTU (K) itself was formally established in 1937.
Gachagua takes on Atwoli
The statement from the union follows the former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s sentiments that the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has abandoned workers and turned into what he called a “self-serving political broker” who has aligned himself with successive governments at the expense of Kenyan workers.
While speaking on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, during the National Reflections forum held after Labour Day and the launch of the Labour Market and Worker Welfare Report 2026 at Radisson Blu, Nairobi, Gachagua said millions of workers remain unheard despite their daily contribution to the economy.
“More than 20 million Kenyans wake up every morning and go to work. These great and patriotic Kenyans have remained unheard for far too long,” Gachagua said.
“For many of them, a job does not mean a decent life. This is not their failure. It is the result of policy choices made by a regime that does not care,” Gachagua added.
He accused both the government and some labour unions of deepening inequality.
“The government and some labour unions like COTU are busy creating 50 billionaires and 55 million poor Kenyans in a span of three and a half years,” Gachagua added.