Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli of abandoning workers and turning into what he called a “self-serving political broker” who has aligned himself with successive governments at the expense of Kenyan workers.

Speaking on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, during the National Reflections forum held after Labour Day and the launch of the Labour Market and Worker Welfare Report 2026 at Radisson Blu, Nairobi, Gachagua said millions of workers remain unheard despite their daily contribution to the economy.

“More than 20 million Kenyans wake up every morning and go to work. These great and patriotic Kenyans have remained unheard for far too long,” he said. “For many of them, a job does not mean a decent life. This is not their failure. It is the result of policy choices made by a regime that does not care.”

He accused both the government and some labour unions of deepening inequality.

“The government and some labour unions like COTU are busy creating 50 billionaires and 55 million poor Kenyans in a span of three and a half years,” Gachagua said.

He referenced the late politician J.M. Kariuki, who was assassinated in 1975 after warning of a deeply unequal society.

“Fifty years down the line, we now have 50 billionaires and 55 million poor Kenyans and one trillionaire—you know him,” he added.

Gachagua also raised concern over what he termed the failure of unions to defend workers in critical sectors, citing teachers, police officers, informal traders and gig workers.

“About 500,000 teachers cannot access medical care under the broken SHA system. A demotivated teacher destroys the quality of learning. Who is speaking for the teachers?” he posed. “Where are the unions? Where is KNUT? Where is KUPPET?”

He further accused union leaders of neglecting their mandate.

“They are silent. They cannot speak because their mouths are full. They are dining with the oppressor,” he said.

On the police service, Gachagua said poor welfare conditions were undermining national security. He also highlighted the vulnerability of informal workers, noting that four out of every five Kenyans now work in the informal economy without protection or inclusion in national planning.

He pointed to markets such as Gikomba, Githurai, Kariokor, Kongowea, Huruma and Lodwar, saying traders continue to suffer losses from fires, taxation pressures and lack of support. He also mentioned ride-hailing drivers who lose access to platforms without recourse.

“Who hears the plight of Mama Fua, who is overworked and underpaid?” he asked.

Gachagua criticised public spending patterns, noting that the wage bill consumes a significant share of national revenue despite widespread hardship.

“Even with 938,000 public posts, too many households still struggle to pay rent, buy medicine and keep children in school,” he said.

His remarks came amid contrasting Labour Day messages. On May 1, 2026, President William Ruto presided over national celebrations at Chavakali National School in Vihiga County.

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli addressed the gathering alongside government officials, union leaders and workers. He led chants of “TUTAM, TUTAM, TUTAM,” which he directed at President Ruto in a show of political support ahead of the 2027 elections.

The chants drew backlash from sections of the public and opposition leaders, who accused Atwoli of turning Labour Day into a political platform and ignoring pressing worker concerns such as taxation, wages and cost of living.

During the Labour Day celebrations, Ruto announced an increase in workers’ wages and reduced the affordable housing deposit.