He says despite their minor differences, Muchai remained a great friend whom he has worked with for more than 20 years/FILE
Atwoli says security officials should urgently find the people behind the killings and bring them to book.
“This is a sad day for Kenya… in 2012 he was involved in a similar incident but was not hurt. The then Inspector General (of Police) promised to investigate the incident and find the culprits but that was the end to it, no report was tabled till today,” he said.
Atwoli says Muchai was a champion of social justice and a servant of the people pointing out that the country has lost a great leader.
“My condolences to the family and friends and the people of Kabete… we are with you in our prayers,” he said adding that the union will form a committee to help with burial arrangements.
He says despite their minor differences, Muchai remained a great friend whom he has worked with for more than 20 years.
In October, Atwoli tried to expel Muchai as his deputy but this failed after the Registrar of Trade Unions rejected the bid.
READ: Registrar rejects Atwoli bid to oust deputy
Muchai was ‘dismissed’ in mid-October by the COTU board for alleged breach of the provisions of the COTU constitution by choosing to serve partisan political interests under the influence of Labour Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi.
The Registrar of Trade Unions Elizabeth Gicheha said contrary to Atwoli’s claims that Muchai had been notified and served over his removal; he has never received the purported letters and had not been given the constitutional right to defend himself.
Other leaders sent their messages of condolences including President Uhuru Kenyatta who said investigations are already underway.
“I expect the Police to mobilise all resources to ensure the criminals who murdered Hon. Muchai, his two bodyguards and driver are speedily apprehended and made to pay for their heinous act according to the law,” President Kenyatta said.
On his part, Deputy President William Ruto said the Jubilee Coalition had lost a brother, an astute and able leader particularly on trade union issues, a subject which Muchai was a dependable source of insightful counsel.
CORD leader Raila Odinga said: “Our country is bleeding and an atmosphere of fear and hopelessness is spreading from the unresolved murders and deaths. Our citizens need reassurance that they can go about their daily routines without fear and that the government has the will and ability to provide protection.”
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