Majority Leader Aden Duale denies meddling in union affairs

By JAMES MBAKA

Kenya: The Government has refuted claims that it is interfering with the affairs of labour unions. Some reports suggest that Public Servants Trade Union (Pusetu) is a Government project meant to weaken the vigour and vitality of the labour movement.

Pusetu has been embroiled in a supremacy battle for the control of the labour movement against the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu).

But speaking during Labour Day celebrations yesterday, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale called for sanity in the sector, saying it is critical in spurring economic growth and providing the necessary springboard for the country’s development.

 “The Government has no business and will have no business meddling in the affairs of the workers’ unions. Our plate is full with a clear mandate to implement the Jubilee manifesto,” said Duale.

He said the Government will improve the lives of workers by passing labour friendly legislations that will create a conducive environment to revive the economy.

He said although the enactment of the Constitution brought with it liberality in the labour movement for workers to join unions of their choice, sanity is key in ensuring the sector plays its rightful role of driving economic growth beyond the envisaged 10 per cent.

Senate Minority Leader Moses Wetang’ula accused the Government of dividing workers, saying the opposition will resist any attempts to belittle Cotu, which he said had helped ensure labour sanity.

Compromised

“Disruption of workers unions cannot be allowed in the 21st century. That is not the way to go. Parliament will not sit and watch as drama rages,” said Wetang’ula.

He called for dialogue across the board among all stakeholders to ensure the country’s labour sector is not compromised for political expedience.

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko invited Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli and Labour Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi to hug each other in a public display of unity.

Kambi and Atwoli have been embroiled in altercations after the latter claimed the Government was dividing Kenyan workers by backing Pusetu.

The lowly attended fete was attended by over 20 MPs from both the Jubilee and CORD among them 6 senators.

The poorly attended fete was attended by more than 20 MPs and six senators from both Jubilee and CORD.

Security was extra tight with police seemingly prepared for Pusetu members to make true their threat. At one point, there was tension after word spread at Uhuru park that Pusetu supporters were en route to the Park to eject Atwoli from the dais.

Some of those who attended the Uhuru park celebration said they had gone to witness a showdown.