By Victor Maiyo
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has sharply criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, threatening legal action over recent comments urging Kenyans to withdraw their savings from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, Atwoli accused Gachagua of promoting economic sabotage and attempting to erode public trust in one of the country’s key social safety nets.
“We wish to remind Gachagua that social security is a serious matter and not a political playground,” Atwoli said. “It is reckless and outrightly malicious for Gachagua to call upon Kenyan workers to withdraw their funds with the aim of collapsing NSSF.”
Gachagua had claimed during a weekend public address that government officials were looting NSSF funds, and warned citizens to safeguard their savings. The remarks quickly triggered public reactions, with critics accusing him of politicizing sensitive financial institutions.
Atwoli responded with fury, urging the government to consider legal proceedings against Gachagua for what he described as “outrageous, careless, and irresponsible statements.” He also hinted at filing a personal lawsuit to defend the integrity of the NSSF and Kenya’s broader social security framework.
“Ignorant and Misleading”
Atwoli dismissed Gachagua’s comments as “ignorant,” arguing that the former DP lacked a basic understanding of how NSSF operates. He emphasized that the fund has grown significantly over the years—from KSh26 billion to more than KSh1 trillion—due to strict adherence to investment guidelines set by the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA).
He further revealed that Gachagua once served on the NSSF Board of Trustees but stepped down upon retiring from public office in 2021. This, he said, undermines Gachagua’s credibility in criticizing the Fund.
“Gachagua has no moral ground to advise Kenyans or any government institution on investment,” Atwoli said, accusing him of amassing wealth through questionable procurement deals and alleged family disputes over property.
Auditor General Queries and the Call for Transparency
Atwoli acknowledged that audit concerns have been raised regarding the NSSF, specifically over the use of over KSh16 billion in the financial year ending June 2024. He urged the NSSF Board of Trustees to publicly respond to questions flagged by the Auditor General, calling for transparency and accountability.
“Let the Board speak out and clarify these issues instead of allowing space for political opportunists to distort facts,” Atwoli added.
Political Undertones
Gachagua’s remarks and Atwoli’s fiery rebuttal come amid rising political tension as opposition voices continue to challenge the current administration’s handling of economic matters. While Gachagua remains a prominent critic of the government after falling out with the ruling coalition, his recent remarks on the NSSF have drawn cross-party backlash.
Atwoli, long known for his vocal defense of worker rights and institutional integrity, has positioned himself as a bulwark against what he calls the “reckless politicization” of public funds.
As debate rages, both the integrity of the NSSF and the freedom of political speech remain in sharp focus—setting the stage for what could become a significant legal and political showdown in the weeks ahead.
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