COTU asks DCI to investigate Kudheiha finances amid leadership dispute
COTU has asked the DCI to investigate alleged financial and governance irregularities at Kudheiha.
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has requested the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to probe alleged financial and governance irregularities within the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (Kudheiha), according to a recent statement.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli refuted claims that the trade union federation was meddling in Kudheiha's internal affairs, stating that those making such allegations were attempting to divert attention from concerns regarding the union's management and resource handling.
Atwoli emphasized that COTU sought to investigate disputed issues to ascertain whether there had been any wrongdoing, including possible irregularities in union records, finances, and leadership changes. The federation inquired about the financial operations of Kudheiha's headquarters and branches, the management of resources, and the authenticity of documents allegedly utilized in the leadership dispute.
COTU also expressed concerns regarding the authenticity of signatures linked to efforts to alter the union's leadership arrangements. Atwoli highlighted that these matters, if proven true, would prompt fundamental questions about financial accountability, the legitimacy of union records, and the integrity of governance processes.
The dispute arose following the passing of Albert Njeru, former general secretary of Kudheiha and treasurer general of COTU. Atwoli affirmed that any changes to Kudheiha's leadership post-Njeru's death should adhere to the union's constitution and established succession procedures. The elections for new officials in May 2026 at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu saw the election of new leaders.
COTU proposed inquiries to uncover the facts surrounding the current dispute and establish if any criminal offenses had transpired.
Atwoli underscored that the dispute was not solely about competing claims to leadership but also about safeguarding the contributions workers entrust to their union. He reiterated that COTU aims to make it clear that workers' contributions are "sacred resources entrusted to trade unions for the protection and advancement of workers' rights and welfare."
The federation urged Kudheiha members, branch officials, and elected leaders to respect the union's constitution and refrain from misinformation, intimidation, or the creation of parallel leadership structures. COTU stressed that adherence to democratic processes, constitutional rules, and financial accountability is crucial to protecting workers' interests and averting further instability within the union.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
