DCI Investigates Kudheiha Finances Kenya Amidst COTU Request

• The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has requested the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate financial and governance irregularities at the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (Kudheiha).
• The DCI probe aims to examine Kudheiha's financial operations, resource management, and the authenticity of documents and signatures related to a leadership dispute.
• The investigation follows the death of Kudheiha's former general secretary, Albert Njeru, and concerns over adherence to constitutional succession procedures.
• COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli denied claims of interference, asserting the need to safeguard workers' contributions and ensure accountability.
• COTU urged Kudheiha members and leaders to respect the union's constitution and democratic processes to prevent further instability.

He unequivocally declared that workers' contributions are sacred resources, specifically designated to trade unions for the vital purpose of safeguarding and advancing the rights and welfare of their members.

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has formally requested the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch an inquiry into alleged financial and governance irregularities within the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (Kudheiha). This petition comes amidst a significant leadership dispute following the passing of Kudheiha's former general secretary.

Francis Atwoli, the Secretary General of COTU, addressed accusations suggesting that the labour federation was meddling in the internal affairs of the union. He countered these claims by asserting that those making such allegations were attempting to divert attention from serious questions surrounding Kudheiha's management practices and the handling of its financial resources. Atwoli emphasized COTU's desire for a thorough investigation into the contested issues to ascertain if any misconduct had occurred, specifically mentioning potential irregularities related to union records, financial management, and changes in leadership.

COTU's formal request to the DCI specifically seeks an examination of Kudheiha's financial operations across its headquarters and various branches. The probe is also intended to scrutinize the overall management of the union's assets and to verify the authenticity of documents reportedly central to the ongoing leadership dispute. Furthermore, the federation has voiced concerns regarding the legitimacy of signatures purportedly gathered in connection with efforts to alter the union's established leadership arrangements.

Atwoli underscored the gravity of these matters, stating that if substantiated, they would raise fundamental questions concerning financial accountability, the veracity of union records, and the overall integrity of Kudheiha's governance processes. He firmly rejected any accusations that COTU was seeking to exert control over the union, dismissing such claims as misleading and designed to distract public attention from the critical issues requiring detailed scrutiny.

The current unrest within Kudheiha stems from the death of Albert Njeru, who previously held the positions of general secretary for Kudheiha and treasurer general for COTU. Atwoli stressed that any subsequent changes to Kudheiha's leadership following Njeru’s demise must strictly adhere to the union's constitutional provisions and established succession protocols. Notably, Kudheiha's quinquennial elections, initially halted by court order in February 2026, have been subject to dispute, with an acting General Secretary, Thomas Mboya, formally registered in September 2026 following the death of Albert Njeru, indicating an ongoing leadership transition rather than a settled election.

Beyond the immediate leadership contest, Atwoli articulated that the dispute encompasses a broader concern: the protection of the financial contributions that workers entrust to their union. He unequivocally declared that workers' contributions are sacred resources, specifically designated to trade unions for the vital purpose of safeguarding and advancing the rights and welfare of their members.

COTU anticipates that the DCI investigations will definitively establish the facts behind the allegations and determine whether any criminal offenses have been committed. Atwoli reiterated that such inquiries are crucial for uncovering the truth, identifying any wrongdoing, and ensuring that all culpable individuals are held accountable in accordance with the law.

The federation has urged Kudheiha members, branch officials, and elected leaders to uphold the union's constitution and to refrain from engaging in misinformation, intimidation, or the formation of unauthorized parallel leadership structures. COTU emphasized that strict adherence to democratic processes, constitutional rules, and robust financial accountability is paramount for protecting the interests of workers and preventing further instability within the union. It is important to note that the concerns articulated by COTU, in themselves, do not constitute proof that any individual or union official has committed an offense; the proposed investigations are expected to establish the facts.

Lawyers advising trade unions or employers engaging with unions should monitor the DCI's findings regarding Kudheiha's financial and governance irregularities, as this investigation could establish precedents for union oversight and highlight compliance risks related to workers' contributions and leadership succession within Kenyan labour organizations.

Source: Original reporting via news sources