Rigathi Gachagua Slams Union Leadership, Calls for Urgent Action on Workers’ Welfare
By Gedion Nzyoki -
- The DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has criticised the labour union leadership, saying it has failed to prioritise workers’ interests and instead served personal and political agendas
- The former Deputy President has warned that worsening economic conditions, including low wages, high deductions, and weak protections, continue to put pressure on workers
- He has urged citizens to engage politically and support leadership that prioritises and protects workers’ welfare
Nairobi, Kenya | May 5, 2026 —The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has sharply criticized the country’s labour union leadership, accusing it of neglecting workers’ interests in favour of personal gain and political convenience.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, Fazul Mohammed of the Kenya Management and Supervisors Workers’ Union, and the party’s deputy leader Cleophas Malala during the unveiling of the Labour Market and Worker Welfare Report 2026. Photos: Rigathi Gachagua (Facebook).
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon at the Radisson Blu Hotel during the National Reflections post-Labour Day forum and the launch of the Labour Market and Worker Welfare Report 2026 by the Kenya Management and Supervisors Workers’ Union, Gachagua alleged that the union’s secretary-general has consistently aligned himself with successive governments instead of championing the welfare of Kenyan workers.
“We have a labour union led by a secretary-general who, sadly, behaves more like a broker—comfortable with every government in power, serving personal interests instead of workers,” Gachagua said.
According to the DCP leader, instead of focusing on the challenges facing workers, the union leadership led by one Francis Atwoli appeared to prioritise political engagements. He claimed that the secretary-general was seen celebrating alongside political leaders.
“On 1st May 2026, a day meant to defend workers’ rights, he was seen dancing joyfully with those responsible for their suffering,” he added.
Gachagua emphasized that fair wages, decent working conditions, humane treatment, and social protection are fundamental rights rather than privileges.
He warned that widening inequality in the country is increasingly dividing society into a small wealthy elite and millions of struggling citizens, echoing concerns previously raised by the late J.M. Kariuki.
He also raised concern over the welfare of teachers and police officers, saying many continue to work under difficult conditions with inadequate healthcare support, while questioning what he described as the silence of major unions such as KNUT and KUPPET.
The former Deputy President further highlighted challenges facing workers in the informal sector, noting that although it constitutes the majority of Kenya’s workforce and contributes significantly to the economy, it remains largely unprotected.
On economic policy, he criticized high statutory salary deductions, arguing that workers take home significantly reduced pay after multiple levies. He warned that any further increases would deepen financial strain on households.
Gachagua also questioned the effectiveness and transparency of government programmes such as the Affordable Housing initiative and the Social Health Authority, citing concerns over delayed payments in healthcare facilities and broader accountability issues. He further pointed to ongoing financial challenges in public universities and uncertainty surrounding the education funding model.
He noted that rising living costs, unemployment, and poor working conditions are pushing many Kenyans into economic hardship, with some increasingly seeking employment opportunities abroad under difficult circumstances.
Despite his criticism, Gachagua urged citizens to actively engage in the political process by registering as voters and supporting leadership that prioritizes workers’ welfare. He framed the issue as one of dignity, fairness, and national survival.
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