COTU’s Atwoli Criticizes Gachagua Amid Political Tensions

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, has sharply criticized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of engaging in divisive political rhetoric that undermines the country’s stability.

Atwoli stated that Gachagua has taken advantage of President William Ruto’s absence while attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the US to pursue a personal political agenda instead of supporting the government’s objectives.

“The Deputy President is in campaign mode, misleading and misguiding the nation. You cannot be contradicting government policies and your own president,” Atwoli said, raising concerns about the unity within the government.

Over the weekend, Gachagua urged President Ruto to fulfill his promise of not allowing his deputy to be “humiliated,” citing an impending impeachment motion against him. Gachagua had earlier alleged that his political adversaries had attempted to bribe lawmakers to back his impeachment.

READ: Senator Mungatana Files Motion To Censure DP Gachagua

In what appears to be an exit strategy, Gachagua has also hinted at forming new political alliances. Speaking to supporters, he acknowledged the threat of impeachment and said, “We respect President Ruto and will continue to do so. But as we do that, we continue to look for new friends because we don’t want Mount Kenya people to be on their own.”

Gachagua’s troubles escalated on Monday, September 23, when Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana filed a censure motion against him. The motion, submitted to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, accuses Gachagua of marginalizing minority groups and making inciteful remarks that harm national unity. Mungatana, a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), argued that Gachagua’s actions violate the Constitution, particularly the national values and principles of governance.

“Gachagua is in contravention of the provisions of the Constitution which are against the national values and principles of governance and demeans the high office of the Deputy President of the Republic,” Mungatana said.

Although a censure motion does not have the legal power to remove the Deputy President from office, its passage could significantly damage Gachagua’s reputation and diminish his political influence within the government.

As political tensions rise, all eyes are on how President Ruto will navigate the growing discontent surrounding his deputy, and whether Gachagua can weather the storm threatening his political future.