HOMA BAY, Kenya — Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has warned security officers and government officials against sharing confidential information with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying they 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 information allegedly obtained from security officers, arguing that such disclosures could expose the officers involved and jeopardise their careers.
Atwoli urged government officials providing intelligence or other confidential reports to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader to stop doing so.
“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,” Atwoli said.
The COTU secretary general said he also receives information from police officers but insisted that such information should be handled through appropriate channels rather than disclosed publicly.
“We usually get information from the police, but we take it where it is supposed to go,” he said.
Atwoli accuses Gachagua of exposing police sources
Atwoli said government officers who share sensitive information with politicians could put themselves at risk if their identities or reports are subsequently revealed in public.
“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,” he said.
His remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Gachagua increasingly using information he says has been provided by sources within the security establishment to question government actions and security operations.
Atwoli did not identify the specific officers he believed were providing information to Gachagua, nor did he provide evidence that any officers had already been dismissed or disciplined for doing so.
Atwoli attacks Linda Mwanachi team
The COTU boss also turned his attention to the emerging political alliance associated with the Linda Mwanachi movement, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Atwoli criticised the group, arguing that its leaders lack the experience required to lead the country.
He also accused the group of misleading the public by presenting itself as advancing the political ideals associated with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Also Read: Gachagua claims clandestine ‘Nairobi Sierra’ police unit dismantled, officers now at risk
Atwoli further alleged that Sifuna and his political allies were being financed by an unnamed individual to divide the Luhya community.
He did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.
The remarks add to growing political competition within Western Kenya as politicians and political movements position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Bukhungu meeting
Atwoli said members of the Luhya community are expected to hold the Bukhungu Three meeting in December, where he said political declarations would be made ahead of the 2027 election.
The meeting is expected to attract attention as political leaders seek to consolidate support in Western Kenya, a region that remains an important electoral battleground.
Atwoli was accompanied by Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary General Akello Misori during the church function.
The COTU leader’s comments come as political leaders across the country intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls, with questions over political alliances, succession and regional voting blocs increasingly dominating public debate.
