A heated dispute erupted between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli amid claims that the government has misused National Social Security Fund (NSSF) savings for public infrastructure.
Gachagua Raises Alarm on NSSF Use
While speaking at a church service in Kilifi, Gachagua openly accused the government of diverting billions of shillings from NSSF reserves. He specifically mentioned funds channelled to the Rironi–Mau Summit Road and the controversial Bomas of Kenya, suggesting such moves risk depriving retirees of their rightful benefits.
He urged Atwoli—who served as an NSSF trustee—to speak out on what he described as an illegal use of workers' retirement funds.
Atwoli Strikes Back: Accusations of Sabotage
Responding swiftly, Atwoli condemned Gachagua’s allegations as “misinformation” and politically charged attacks that threaten the security of workers’ pensions. He strongly criticised Gachagua’s call for workers to withdraw their NSSF payments, labelling it “reckless,” “malicious,” and a form of economic sabotage that could destabilise the fund.
COTU Defends NSSF Management
COTU emphasised that Atwoli stepped down from the NSSF board in 2021, putting to rest rumours of his direct influence over fund investments. The union highlighted that NSSF operates under strict guidelines regulated by the Retirement Benefits Authority and managed by licensed professionals.
Transparency Call and International Perspective
Though defending the use of pension assets in national infrastructure, Atwoli supported greater openness regarding a raised KSh16 billion audit query for the year ending June 2024. He also pointed to successful pension-backed infrastructure models in Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa, arguing such investments can be secure and beneficial.
COTU has urged Gachagua to stop making inflammatory remarks and instead demand full transparency from NSSF. Meanwhile, the union hinted at possible legal action, calling on the government to consider prosecuting Gachagua for endangering the economic stability of the fund.
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