The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has strongly denied allegations of staff mistreatment, delayed salary payments, and sexual harassment, dismissing them as baseless and defamatory.
In a statement, the trade union described the claims as part of a deliberate smear campaign intended to tarnish its reputation.
“These baseless allegations, which are clearly motivated by personal vendetta, misrepresent the facts and seek to mislead the public,” COTU stated.
The organization identified former employee Mark Silas Sangalo as the source of the allegations, accusing him of spreading false information due to personal grievances.
“Mark was hired after making a passionate plea to the Secretary General, yet he chose to betray the trust placed in him by engaging in fraudulent activities. Despite his misconduct, COTU (K) chose not to pursue legal action against him,” the union noted.
Addressing concerns over salary payments, COTU reaffirmed its commitment to employee welfare, emphasizing that salaries have always been paid on time. The union clarified that an instance of delayed payment occurred due to Sangalo’s attempt to manipulate the payroll system.
“The only instance of delayed salaries occurred when a former payroll accountant, Mark Silas Sangalo, attempted to fraudulently manipulate the payroll to increase his own salary,” the statement read.
COTU explained that Sangalo’s actions led to temporary administrative delays, which were promptly resolved following his dismissal.
The union also responded to claims of unfair staff dismissals, stating that employees who left did so voluntarily.
“For clarity, Jacqueline Njambi voluntarily resigned after securing an appointment with the National Employment Authority. Selina Ngei left to take up a new role in Tanzania, while Nnamdi Iliobachie returned to Nigeria to reunite with his family. Irene Kendi resigned for personal reasons,” COTU clarified.
On allegations of sexual harassment, COTU reaffirmed its strict policy against misconduct.
“As of today, no serving officer or official of COTU (K) is facing any allegations or investigations related to sexual harassment,” the statement read.
