HOMA BAY, Kenya — Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has warned security officers and government officials against leaking confidential information to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying those found misusing official intelligence could risk disciplinary action or dismissal.
Speaking at St Francis Mawego Catholic Church Parish in Karachuonyo Constituency, Homa Bay County, Atwoli accused Gachagua of publicly disclosing sensitive information allegedly obtained from security officers, arguing that such disclosures could expose officers and compromise their careers and safety.
Atwoli urged government officials providing intelligence to the former Deputy President, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), to stop sharing confidential information with him.
“Don’t give Gachagua information because he misuses that information, and he will cause people’s children in the police force, our young people, to be fired. We usually get information from the police, but we take it where it is supposed to go,” Atwoli said.
The COTU boss said he also receives information from security officers but claimed that he uses such information through the appropriate channels rather than discussing it publicly.
He warned that identifying security officers as sources during public meetings could expose them to retaliation or disciplinary action.
“You don’t announce at a meeting, ‘Oh, I’ve been told by a certain police officer that a certain thing will happen.’ You are endangering the police officers, Gachagua. Stop that foolishness of yours,” Atwoli said.
His remarks come amid increasingly sharp political exchanges between government allies and Gachagua, who has emerged as one of President William Ruto’s most vocal critics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Atwoli did not identify specific officers or government officials whom he alleged were supplying information to Gachagua, nor did he provide details of the intelligence he claimed had been disclosed publicly.
Atwoli attacks Linda Mwananchi leaders
Atwoli also turned his criticism on the Linda Mwananchi political movement associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other opposition figures.
He questioned the group’s leadership credentials, arguing that its leaders lacked the experience required to steer the country.
The union leader also accused the movement of misleading Kenyans by presenting its political agenda as a continuation of the ideals associated with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Atwoli further alleged that Sifuna and his colleagues were being financed by an unnamed individual to divide the Luhya community.
He did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
The remarks come as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with several emerging political formations seeking to consolidate support across different regions.
Bukhungu meeting
Atwoli said members of the Luhya community would convene the Bukhungu Three meeting in December, where he indicated that political declarations could be made ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The planned gathering is expected to attract attention as political actors position themselves ahead of the next presidential contest and seek to consolidate regional influence.
Atwoli was accompanied during the event by KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori, as the union leaders engaged residents on political and national issues.
His remarks add to the increasingly heated political debate surrounding Gachagua, whose opposition activities have continued to draw criticism from government allies while his political camp seeks to build a broader coalition ahead of 2027.
