The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) has asked the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the financial affairs of the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the union.
In a press statement dated October 9, 2026, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli said the organisation had formally requested investigations into the management of union funds, the handling of financial resources by certain officials, and the authenticity of signatures and documents reportedly used in recent leadership disputes.
COTU said the request followed allegations of attempts by some KUDHEIHA officials to undermine the union’s constitutional leadership and create confusion among members. The organisation also dismissed claims that it was interfering in KUDHEIHA’s internal affairs, describing them as misleading.
The dispute comes after the death of Albert Njeru, who served as KUDHEIHA’s General Secretary and COTU’s Treasurer General. His death has been followed by disagreements over the union’s leadership and the arrangements for succession.
According to COTU, KUDHEIHA held its five-yearly elections in May 2026 at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu. During the elections, Thomas Mboya was elected Senior Deputy General Secretary.
COTU said Mboya subsequently assumed the role of Acting General Secretary following Njeru’s death, in line with the union’s constitution. The organisation added that his acting position was recorded by the Registrar of Trade Unions.
The labour body questioned attempts to challenge these arrangements, arguing that the union’s leadership should be guided by its constitution and established procedures rather than individual interests.
COTU also raised concerns about the role of Joseph Nelson Ndung’u, who it said serves as a KUDHEIHA accountant while also holding the position of Deputy Treasurer. The organisation alleged that Ndung’u had been at the centre of efforts to take control of the union’s leadership and financial administration.
However, the allegations made in the statement have not been independently established, and COTU’s request for an investigation does not in itself amount to proof of wrongdoing.
The organisation further cited concerns about the management and use of union funds, as well as reported irregularities involving signatures and documents. It said these matters required proper investigation to establish the facts and determine whether any laws had been broken.
Atwoli said workers’ contributions must be protected because trade unions depend on these resources to defend workers’ rights and promote their welfare.
COTU called on KUDHEIHA members, branch officials and elected leaders to reject misinformation, intimidation and attempts to establish parallel leadership structures outside the union’s constitution.
