Central Organisation of Trade Unions ( COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has asked the Government to bring to book those behind the murder of Kabete MP George Muchai, who was also his former deputy at the giant trade union.
Atwoli, addressing the Press at the union headquarters yesterday, said it was important that thorough investigations are carried out to reveal who was behind the gruesome murder of the legislator and end speculation, adding that this was the second time the MP was being attacked.
The COTU boss paid a glowing tribute to the deceased legislator, referring to him as a ‘bold man’ and a champion for social justice. Atwoli and the deceased MP have been at loggerheads in the recent past, and the COTU boss in October last year moved to court seeking compensation for alleged defamation. Atwoli accused the Kabete MP of alleging that he was a medicine man and that he had misappropriated more than Sh7 million COTU funds.
But at the Press briefing yesterday, Atwoli said theirs had been ordinary differences. “Despite the minor differences we had, our differences were purely healthy, ideological and based on issues at hand and completely devoid of witch hunt or malice.
He remained a great friend and colleague,” said Atwoli, who added that he had known the MP in person for many years, and that the union supported him in his campaign for the Kabete parliamentary seat in the last polls.
“We grew up together in Nairobi and I have known him personally for more than 50 years. We have worked closely in the labour movement for over two decades, until recently when the COTU executive board decided to suspend him,” revealed Atwoli.
“It is so sad that Muchai can lose his life at a prime age when the people of Kabete and Kenyan workers need his services. We condole with his family and constituents and we shall support them during this difficult period,” he said.