COTU-K Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has challenged Rigathi Gachagua over criticism of his television appearances.
The COTU-K secretary-general rebuked the former deputy president over criticism of his television appearances as their public political dispute continued.
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of repeatedly using his name to maintain political relevance, escalating their public war of words.
In his September 26 response, Atwoli dismissed Gachagua’s criticism of his recent television appearance and argued that the former deputy president had been far more active in seeking media exposure.
The trade union leader was responding to remarks about his interview with journalist Jeff Koinange on Citizen TV. He maintained that his appearances had been infrequent and questioned why they had attracted Gachagua’s attention.
Dispute over television appearances
Atwoli said that, before his latest appearance, his previous interview with Koinange had taken place on January 7. He cited that gap to challenge Gachagua’s complaints about his access to the television platform.
By comparison, Atwoli alleged that Gachagua had given more than 200 interviews over the same period, appearing on television and radio stations as well as YouTube channels and other social media platforms.
Atwoli said he had participated in only two interviews during that period. He portrayed Gachagua’s reaction to those appearances as evidence of the influence he believed his own public comments carried.
He also compared the online audiences for their respective Citizen TV interviews. Atwoli claimed that an interview featuring Gachagua from two years earlier had attracted about 400,000 YouTube views, while his own conversation with Koinange had drawn about 300,000 within four days.
The interview totals and audience figures were part of Atwoli’s argument against Gachagua; they were claims made by the union leader in the course of the dispute.
Atwoli disputes claim about his home area
Beyond the argument over media appearances, Atwoli rejected what he described as Gachagua’s inaccurate account of where he comes from in Western Kenya.
He said his home area was Kisa Central, in Khwisero constituency, Kakamega County, rather than Kisa North, which he said Gachagua had identified.
Atwoli also urged the former deputy president to concentrate on his activities in the United States instead of concerning himself with the union leader’s television interviews.
The response became more personal when Atwoli repeated his accusation that Gachagua harboured hatred. On that basis, he questioned the former deputy president’s suitability to offer advice to others.
Political differences ahead of 2027
The latest exchange comes as political activity builds towards the 2027 General Election, with Gachagua seeking a role in efforts to bring opposition leaders together.
Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has been holding political engagements in the United States while positioning himself within the push for a united opposition front.
His differences with Atwoli extend beyond the latest television interview. The two have also publicly clashed over the union leader’s comments on Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.
