Aki, COTU has come out guns blazing against Gachagua, accusing the former DP of launching "reckless attacks" on Kenya's labour movement — and bana, the drama is REAL. The trade union federation is not having it, especially after Gachagua's recent jabs at their leadership and Labour Day celebrations.

When Politics Meets Labour Wars

So here's the tea: COTU is saying Gachagua has been throwing shade at the labour movement in a way that's not just divisive — it's dangerous, sawa? The federation claims his remarks are designed to fuel tribal tensions and weaken worker solidarity across the country. Kumbe, they're even questioning his understanding of labour history, pointing out that Labour Day didn't just appear out of nowhere — it's rooted in global worker struggles dating back to the 1880s. That's deep, lakini that's facts.

But that's not all. COTU is also saying Gachagua's interpretation of the Mau Mau Uprising is distorted and divisive. Ndio, they went THERE. The federation mounted a fierce defense of their Secretary General Francis Atwoli, reminding everyone of his legendary activism and all the harassment he's faced fighting for workers' rights. Sijui what Gachagua expected, but COTU is basically saying: "Hii kazi ya kutetea wananchi — we don't back down for anyone."

The Wage Increase Plot Thickens

Here's where it gets spicy: COTU is suggesting that maybe — just MAYBE — Gachagua's attacks are linked to President William Ruto's recent Labour Day announcements. We're talking 12% general wage increases and 15% agricultural minimum wage bumps. Waah! That's the kind of win that workers celebrate, and apparently, Gachagua isn't feeling the vibes.

The federation also dropped hints that government moves to ratify international labour protection conventions — like those on domestic workers' rights and workplace dignity — might have "particularly irritated" Gachagua. COTU is basically saying: if you're attacking progressive labour protections, there's something shady going on. And they're not backing down from that narrative, akina baba.

No Space for Political Kiosks

COTU was clear as day: trade unions are legitimate, historically grounded institutions with international recognition. They're not about to be replaced by what they called "political kiosks" — basically dismissing any alternative labour umbrella Gachagua might be cooking up. The federation reiterated their decades-long presence in Kenya's labour movement and made it crystal clear that no amount of political pressure or rhetoric will derail their mission to defend workers' rights and promote national unity.

The Jukwaa Take: When Gachagua swings at trade unions, he's swinging at institutions with serious roots and serious backing — and COTU just proved they're not the type to eat stones quietly.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya