NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 9 – The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has petitioned the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate alleged financial and governance irregularities at the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (Kudheiha), amid a dispute over the union’s leadership following the death of its former general secretary.

📻 Breaking It Down

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli denied claims that the labour federation was interfering in the union’s internal affairs, accusing those making the allegations of attempting to shift attention from questions over Kudheiha’s management and the handling of its resources.

Atwoli said the federation wanted the disputed issues investigated to establish whether there had been any wrongdoing, including possible irregularities involving union records, finances and leadership changes.

He said COTU had formally asked the DCI to examine the financial operations of Kudheiha’s headquarters and branches, the management of its resources and the authenticity of documents reportedly used in the leadership dispute.

📌 What You Need to Know

The federation also raised concerns over the authenticity of signatures allegedly collected in connection with attempts to alter the union’s leadership arrangements.

“These are serious matters which, if substantiated, would raise fundamental questions about financial accountability, the authenticity of union records and the integrity of its governance processes,” Atwoli said.

He dismissed accusations that COTU was seeking to control the union, describing them as misleading and intended to divert public attention from the issues requiring scrutiny.

The dispute follows the death of Albert Njeru, who served as Kudheiha’s general secretary and COTU’s treasurer general.

Atwoli said any changes to Kudheiha’s leadership following Njeru’s death should be handled in accordance with the union’s constitution and established succession procedures.

Kudheiha held its quinquennial elections in May 2026 at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu, where new officials were elected.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya