Gachagua Hits Out at COTU, Accuses Them of ‘Dining With the Oppressor’

The concerns of Kenyan workers took centre stage in Nairobi during the National Reflections Post Labour Day forum and the launch of the Labour Market and Worker Welfare Report 2026, where Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua painted a grim picture of the state of the country’s workforce.

Addressing stakeholders and workers at the event, Gachagua claimed that the voice of the Kenyan worker has been increasingly suppressed over the past three years, leaving millions of payslip holders demoralised, overworked, overtaxed and underpaid.

“The dignity of the Kenyan worker must be restored,” he said, noting that many employees across the country are struggling to make ends meet despite being in formal employment. 

Gachagua argued that a combination of heavy taxation, statutory deductions, and the rising cost of living has placed an unbearable burden on workers, significantly reducing their take-home pay.

He pointed to key deductions including Pay As You Earn (PAYE), which can go up to 35 percent in higher tax brackets, as well as contributions to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the Housing Levy.

“These deductions, coupled with the high cost of living, leave workers with very little to take home and suppress the voice of labour,” he said.

The DCP leader further claimed that the country’s economic performance has declined in recent years, citing a drop in growth from 7.6 percent in 2021 to approximately 4.6 percent currently. 

He alleged that even official data reflecting this slowdown is being contested, warning that those who release such figures risk repercussions.

“It is unfortunate that the Kenyan worker today is stressed under punitive taxes, uncalled-for deductions, and overworking,” he added.

Gachagua also took aim at labour unions, accusing them of failing to effectively represent workers’ interests.

“Workers feel abandoned. Their unions have left them to dine with the oppressor,” he claimed.

Positioning his party as an alternative, Gachagua said the upcoming 2027 General Election presents what he termed as an opportunity for workers to push for change through the ballot. He emphasised the need to protect Kenyan workers’ payslips, calling it a key priority amid broader concerns with the current administration.

“On August 10, 2027, the Kenyan worker will have a golden opportunity to liberate themselves by voting out an oppressive regime. We pledge to dignify the payslip and restore healthcare, education, and financial stability for a more prosperous future,” he said.

Gachagua later convened a technical team to develop policy and strategy, with the alternative government pledging to restore dignity to workers’ earnings later next year when they assume power.

The event brought together various political and policy figures, with Gachagua accompanied by DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, Millicent Omanga, and lawyer Mwenda Njagi, a member of the party’s think tank committee, among others.