The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has dismissed claims about staff mistreatment, unfair payment and sexual harassment as raised by a blogger.

In a press release on Saturday March 22, 2025, COTU termed the alleged exposé as fake and misleading, adding that a recently fired employee was behind the sensational exposé.

“The Central Organization of Trade Unions, Kenya (COTU (K)), wishes to categorically refute the malicious and defamatory claims recently circulated on social media 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,” read part of statement.

The whistleblower complained about unexplained salary delays over the past few months despite management taking several work trips. The complainant also raised issues with salary-biased promotions and salary increments.

However, COTU (K) secretary general Francis Atwoli stated that COTU always prioritized the welfare of its employees, including ensuring timely salary payments. The only instance of delayed salaries occurred when a former payroll accountant attempted to fraudulently manipulate the payroll to increase his own salary. 

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

At the same time, the organization reported that the claims that multiple staff members were unfairly dismissed are outright false. 

Equally, all those mentioned who have since left COTU (K) have been paid their service payments and none has since complained.

According to the workers union, the only employee who was dismissed was Mark Silas Sangalo, and this was due to gross negligence and glaring incompetence. 

“While still under probation (considering by the time he was sacked he had only been in COTU (K) for four (4) months, he attempted to change COTU’s payroll for personal financial gain and even altered the organization’s logo. His dismissal followed due process, and despite his misconduct, COTU (K) chose not to pursue legal action against him,” read part of the statement.

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

“We have a well-defined Sexual Harassment Policy and a Safeguarding Policy that ensures any complaints are handled swiftly and decisively. Staff members are, in fact, 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.”