COTU Fires Back at Gachagua Over NSSF Accusations

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for spreading what it calls false information about the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and its handling of workers’ contributions. 

This follows Gachagua’s controversial remarks accusing senior government officials of misusing NSSF funds. During a speech in Mazeras on Saturday, June 7, Gachagua alleged that retirement savings are being diverted to infrastructure projects and questionable deals, such as leasing Bomas of Kenya to an Indian investor for 99 years. 

He also claimed that President William Ruto was using NSSF money for personal interests, saying the funds were being illegally withdrawn to support the Mau Summit, Rironi highway project, which is scheduled to begin in June and finish in 2027. 

According to Gachagua, such funds are intended solely for investment purposes to benefit workers during retirement, not for public infrastructure. 

In response, COTU dismissed his claims as politically motivated and inaccurate. The union defended NSSF’s investment practices and urged the fund to clarify issues flagged in a recent audit involving Sh16 billion. 

“Gachagua’s remarks are reckless and designed to mislead the public,” said COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli in a statement on Sunday, June 8. 

COTU noted that NSSF’s asset base has grown from Sh26 billion to over Sh1 trillion under strict oversight by the Retirement Benefits Authority. Atwoli emphasized that all investments are managed by qualified, licensed professionals following legal procedures. 

The union also rejected suggestions that Atwoli still influences NSSF decisions, stating that his board membership ended in 2021. However, Atwoli called on NSSF to publicly address the concerns raised in the Auditor General’s report regarding the Sh16 billion for the financial year ending June 2024.