Hotel workers’ union leadership row deepens as members threaten court action

Members and shop stewards of the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions and Hospitals Workers (KUDHEIHA) have issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the reopening of the union’s offices, warning that they will seek court intervention if the standoff persists.

The ultimatum comes amid a leadership dispute that has paralysed the union’s operations following the death of its long-serving Secretary-General, Albert Njeru, in August 2026, with rival factions contesting control of the organisation and access to its offices.

The group, which backs Acting Secretary-General Thomas Mboya, said the closure of the offices was denying workers access to essential union services at a time when employees in hospitals, universities and the hospitality industry had outstanding grievances requiring urgent attention.

“The union represents people working for 24 hours from hospitals. It is difficult to report their suffering because the Secretary-General’s offices are locked and welded, and the phones are not even working,” one of the union representatives said.

The group warned that unless the offices were reopened within 24 hours, it would file a case against the faction associated with Ndung’u, arguing that members should use lawful channels to resolve disputes rather than deny workers access to union services.

Mr Allan Orekot, a shop steward at the University of Nairobi, said the leadership wrangles had left university workers stranded as a strike continued in public universities, with grievances awaiting the attention of the acting secretary-general.

“We have a lot of issues that need to be addressed by the acting Secretary-General, Thomas Mboya, or we are going to march,” he said.

He also questioned the use of union funds, saying members contributed regularly but were concerned that individuals whose roles in the organisation they did not recognise were demanding access to the money.

“We need accountability. We cannot sit and watch our money being used by people who do not offer us services,” he said, calling on those involved in the dispute to explain their positions in the union and where they worked.

Mr Jonathan Kilonzo, who represents workers in the hospitality industry, said the closure risked hurting members who depended on the union to pursue workplace grievances and defend their labour rights.

“If we bring the offices down, it is we members who will suffer if we lack services,” he said.

He also said members wanted the offices reopened within 24 hours, warning that a dispute involving a handful of individuals should not be allowed to disrupt the union’s work.

The leadership wrangles have also drawn the attention of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu), with Secretary-General Francis Atwoli calling for investigations into the union’s affairs, including concerns surrounding its leadership and finances.

“KUDHEIHA held its quinquennial elections in May 2026 at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu, where the election of leaders was conducted, including the election of Thomas Mboya as Senior Deputy General Secretary. Following the unfortunate demise of Albert Njeru, Thomas Mboya assumed the position of Acting General Secretary pursuant to the succession arrangements under the union’s constitution, and his acting capacity was subsequently recorded by the Registrar of Trade Unions,” said Mr Atwoli.

He went on: “It is unacceptable for any individual to seek to disregard these constitutional arrangements merely because they do not serve his personal ambitions.”

Mr Frank Esegwe, a KUDHEIHA member, criticised those challenging the authority of the union’s officials and the decisions of the Registrar of Trade Unions, saying members would pursue all lawful avenues to restore access to the offices.

Peter Owuor, who represents domestic workers, said members who routinely used the premises for union activities had been left without a place to meet and conduct their business.

“We usually meet there. Now what are we going to do? Those hours are too long. Let them open those doors,” he said.

Benson Maina, the KUDHEIHA secretary in Murang’a, called for discipline and accountability, saying the dispute should not be reduced to a confrontation between rival camps.

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