The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has refuted claims recently circulated on social media regarding the mishandling of its staff.

In a statement on March 22, COTU dismissed the allegations as malicious and defamatory spread by an individual with ill intent to tarnish the reputation of the union.

“These baseless allegations, which are clearly motivated by personal vendetta, misrepresent the facts and seek to mislead the public,” reads part of the statement.

COTU clarified that it has always prioritized the welfare of its employees, including ensuring timely salary payments.

The Union said employees were delayed only on one occasion when a former accountant tried increasing his own salary.

COTU believes that the said accountant is behind the allegations since he was fired after the incident.

The Union mentioned that the accountant was hired after making a passionate plea to the Secretary-General, Francis Atwoli. Yet he chose to betray the trust placed in him by engaging in fraudulent activities and now attempting to mislead the public.

“The only instance of delayed salaries occurred when a former payroll accountant, who we believe is behind these false claims, attempted to fraudulently manipulate the payroll to increase his own salary,” COTU explained.

“His incompetence and unethical conduct led to administrative delays, which were promptly resolved once he was relieved of his duties.”

Claims on Employee Dismissals

Besides, COTU said the claims that multiple staff members were unfairly dismissed are outright false.

The Union explained that Jacqueline Njambi voluntarily resigned after securing an appointment with the National Employment Authority under the Ministry of Labour.

COTU said Selina Ngei left to take up a new role in Tanzania, with an organization that works closely with the Union.

According to the Union, Nnamdi Iliobachie, a Nigerian national, resigned to reunite with his family in Nigeria while Irene Kendi resigned for personal reasons.

“As seen, the previous employees who have left COTU (K) have since taken senior positions both in Private Sector and in Government. Equally, all those mentioned who have since left COTU (K) have since paid their service payments and dues and none has since complained,” the Union explained.

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Payroll Accountant Dismissal

COTU emphasized that the payroll accountant was the only employee who was dismissed due to gross negligence and glaring incompetence.

The Union said the accountant had only served for four months when he tried to change the payroll and interfere with the organization’s logo.

COTU said it followed the required procedures during his dismissal but decided not to sue him.

“While still under probation (considering by the time he was sacked he had only been in COTU (K) for four months) he attempted to change COTU’s payroll for personal financial gain and even altered the organization’s logo,” the Union added.

“His dismissal followed due process, and despite his misconduct, COTU (K) chose not to pursue legal action against him.”

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COTU Dismisses Allegations of Sexual Harassment

COTU reiterated that it upholds the highest standards of professionalism and has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment.

The Union said it has a well-defined Sexual Harassment Policy and a Safeguarding Policy that ensures any complaints are handled swiftly and decisively.

It added that staff members are always encouraged to report any such cases both internally and to relevant authorities.

“As of today, no serving officer and or official of COTU (K) is facing any allegations or investigations related to sexual harassment,” the Union said.

COTU stated that it remains committed to advocating for workers’ rights and upholding the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and accountability.

The Union urged the public to disregard these baseless claims and treat them with the contempt they deserve.

“It is unfortunate that an individual who was given an opportunity to serve Kenyan workers would resort to spreading false propaganda in a bid to settle personal scores,” COTU said.

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