In the early hours of February 7, 2015, Kenya was shaken by the brutal murder of Kabete Constituency Member of Parliament, Hon. George Muchai.
He was gunned down in Nairobi alongside his two bodyguards and driver.
This incident not only shocked the nation but also ignited a series of allegations and counter-allegations, particularly implicating Francis Atwoli, the Secretary-General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU).
Prior to his political career, Muchai was a prominent trade unionist, serving as Deputy Secretary-General under Atwoli at COTU.
Their relationship, however, was strained due to internal disputes.
Muchai had accused Atwoli of mismanaging union funds and had taken legal action against him, seeking reforms within the organization.
This discord led to public confrontations, with Muchai expressing fear for his life, alleging that Atwoli wanted to kill him.
Following Muchai’s assassination, suspicions arose regarding Atwoli’s potential involvement. Some political figures, including MP Moses Kuria, publicly called for Atwoli’s arrest, insinuating his connection to the murder.
Additionally, former Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi made statements linking Atwoli to the crime, leading Atwoli to file a defamation lawsuit seeking Kshs 500 million in damages.
Atwoli vehemently denied any involvement in Muchai’s death, describing the allegations as baseless and damaging to his reputation.
He emphasized their long-standing professional relationship and the normalcy of their differences within the trade union movement.
Atwoli called for thorough investigations to identify and prosecute the true perpetrators, expressing his own shock and condemnation of the murder.
The murder investigation led to the arrest and trial of several suspects.
By November 2015, seven individuals were on trial for their alleged roles in the killings.
Despite these legal proceedings, the case experienced delays, and as of January 2020, the trial was still ongoing, leaving many questions unanswered and the masterminds behind the assassination unidentified.
The intertwining of trade union politics, personal vendettas, and public service in this case highlights the complexities and dangers faced by individuals challenging established systems.
Muchai’s murder serves as a grim reminder of the potential perils associated with political and organizational dissent in environments where power struggles can escalate to lethal outcomes.
While allegations have implicated Francis Atwoli in the murder of George Muchai, concrete evidence linking him to the crime has not been presented.
The ongoing legal processes and investigations are crucial in uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for Muchai, his bodyguards, and his driver.
