Business · Economy · 1 day ago
KUDHEIHA members threaten court action over closed union offices
Members and shop stewards of KUDHEIHA, a Kenyan union representing workers in hospitals, universities, hotels and other sectors, say its offices are closed and its operations are disrupted.
The dispute followed the death of long-serving Secretary-General Albert Njeru in August 2026, as rival groups contested control of the union and access to its offices.
The members who spoke at a briefing in Nairobi back Thomas Mboya, who became acting secretary-general after Njeru’s death.
They say workers cannot get help with workplace grievances, including during an ongoing strike in public universities.
The group has given the offices’ closure opponents 24 hours to reopen them and says it will seek court intervention if they do not.
The members have also raised concerns about union funds and called for accountability.
Central Organization of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has called for investigations into the union’s leadership and finances.
KUDHEIHA members and shop stewards issued a 24-hour ultimatum on October 10 to reopen the union’s offices or face court action.
The offices are closed amid a leadership dispute following the death of long-serving Secretary-General Albert Njeru in August 2026.
The group backing Acting Secretary-General Thomas Mboya said the closure was preventing workers from accessing union services.
The dispute has disrupted the union’s operations while workers in hospitals, universities and hospitality have outstanding grievances.
Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli called for investigations into the union’s leadership and finances.
- Who
- KUDHEIHA members and shop stewards backing Acting Secretary-General Thomas Mboya.
- What
- They gave a 24-hour ultimatum to reopen the union’s offices and warned they would seek court intervention.
- When
- October 10, 2026; the ultimatum allowed 24 hours for the offices to reopen.
- Where
- The demand was announced at a press briefing at the United Kenya Club in Nairobi.
- Why
- They said the closed offices were denying workers union services and leaving grievances unaddressed amid a leadership dispute.
KUDHEIHA members backing Acting Secretary-General Thomas Mboya
Faction associated with Ndung’u
Office access
KUDHEIHA members backing Acting Secretary-General Thomas Mboya
The Mboya-backed group demanded the offices reopen within 24 hours so workers could access union services.
Faction associated with Ndung’u
The group said it would sue the faction associated with Ndung’u if the offices were not reopened; that faction’s position is not stated.
Union leadership
KUDHEIHA members backing Acting Secretary-General Thomas Mboya
The group said Mboya assumed the acting role under the union’s succession arrangements.
Faction associated with Ndung’u
Rival factions are contesting control of the organisation; the faction’s specific position is not stated.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
KUDHEIHA held its quinquennial elections at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu, and Thomas Mboya was elected Senior Deputy General Secretary.
Long-serving Secretary-General Albert Njeru died, after which Mboya assumed the acting role, according to Atwoli.
Members and shop stewards backing Mboya issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the reopening of the union offices.
- Ultimatum
- 24 hours to reopen the offices
- Union
- Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions and Hospitals Workers (KUDHEIHA)
- Acting Secretary-General
- Thomas Mboya
- Former Secretary-General
- Albert Njeru, died in August 2026
- Press briefing
- United Kenya Club, Nairobi, October 10, 2026
Sources
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