Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has refuted claims that he invited officials from the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) to attend the upcoming Labor Day celebrations.

The denial follows PSRA CEO Fazul Mahamed’s public statement declining the invitation, citing an ongoing forensic investigation into COTU’s handling of funds deducted from private security guards over the years.

“COTU is the subject of an active forensic investigation under Section 10 (b) of the Act on the collection and use of KES 1.7 billion that has over the years been deducted from Private Security Guards and remitted to COTU, therefore, as an Authority we are conflicted and must with a clear conscience decline the invitation to attend the Labour Day celebrations,” read Fazul’s statement.

Furthermore, Fazul expressed concerns about the utilization of the deducted funds, emphasizing the need for transparency and integrity in managing contributions from private security guards.

“If we are confronted with the decision of supporting hardworking and underpaid Kenyan workers on one end or indulging in a flamboyant lifestyle and luxurious trips financed by the sweat of hardworking and underpaid workers on the other end,” remarked Fazul.

“The Authority without hesitation will choose and prioritize to stand on the side which supports improved welfare and empowerment of the Kenyan worker.”

Atwoli’s response to Fazul’s claims

Atwoli, however, dismissed Fazul’s claims, stating that PSRA is a regulator and not a trade union, and therefore cannot be invited to the COTU-organized event.

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“COTU has no business with a regulator because we do not get our membership from any regulator. The membership of COTU is derived from Unions and not any regulator,” said Atwoli.

“COTU has not, and cannot, invite PSRA considering we have no business with such an amorphous entity.” 

Details of the feud between Atwoli & Fazul

The discord between Atwoli and Fazul revolves around the management of COTU, and the deductions made from private security guards.

Fazul has questioned the necessity of these contributions citing the perceived lack of COTU’s advocacy efforts.

In response, Atwoli has alleged that Fazul’s actions are motivated by a desire for a new position within the trade union sector.

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The controversy surrounding the Labor Day celebrations has shed light on the tensions within the Kenyan trade union movement, particularly the management of funds and the representation of workers’ interests.

As the country prepares to celebrate the contributions of its workforce, the dispute between Atwoli and Fazul has become a significant sideshow, raising questions about the transparency and accountability within the labor movement.

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