The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has slammed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for attacking its Secretary General, Francis Atwoli.
In a statement issued on May 5, 2026, the organization said 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.
It criticized Rigathi for threatening to form a new union to rival COTU, affirming that COTU (K) is older than Rigathi and will outlive his divisive and short-lived political theatrics.
“For his information, the trade union movement in Kenya traces its roots as far back as 1900, while many of the unions currently affiliated to COTU (K) were established from 1937 following the enactment of the Trade Union Ordinance. Most of these unions that Gachagua is busy attacking today existed long before Mr. Gachagua was born, and he therefore lacks the historical understanding, moral standing, intellectual depth, and ideological grounding to lecture workers or trade unions on their operations, struggles, or historical mission,” COTU said.
The statement was issued on May 5, 2026, a day after the former deputy president of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua, slammed Mr. Atwoli for chanting “Tutam.”
Mr. Rigathi alleged that Mr. Atwoli was busy praising President William Ruto’s administration as workers continue to suffer across the country.
“COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has abandoned Kenyan workers. While they are suffering from their poor payslip, he is out there shouting Tutam praising the current head of state” Rigathi Gachagua said.