Activist Hanifa Adan has come under criticism from the Transport Workers' Union of Kenya (TAWU) over allegations of making defamatory statements.
This is after the activist claimed that Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, illegally influenced the removal of former TAWU boss Dan Mihadi from office.
In response to Hanifa's claims, KAWU, through its current Secretary General, Nicholas Otieno, dismissed the allegations, terming them as not only misleading but also defamatory.
While addressing the assertions, the KAWU Secretary General clarified that Mihadi was removed from office legally in a decision made by the transport union's internal organs.
According to Otieno, Himadi's formal dismissal on May 26 this year was backed by overwhelming evidence spanning financial mismanagement and abuse of office.
"The removal of Mihadi on May 26, 2025, was a lawful and procedural decision made by TAWU's internal organs through a democratic process in line with the Union's Constitution," said Otino.
"It is unfortunate that Hanifa, who postures as a defender of social justice, transparency, and good governance, has chosen to align herself with individuals facing serious allegations of corruption and abuse of office," he added.
In particular, the KAWU Secretary General disclosed that Mihadi was ousted from office over gross financial allegations, including over Ksh1.2 million unaccounted donor funds.
Another allegation levelled against the former KAWU boss was the irregular transfer of a vehicle and acquisition of personal land using the union's funds without any prior authorisation.
Meanwhile, Hanifa, in a statement on Monday, July 21, accused Atwoli of interfering with some of the country's leading independent unions, including KAWU.
The activist alleged that the COTU boss instigated the removal of Mihadi from the KAWU Secretary General position and even moved to court to ensure that the latter does not secure his position back.
"Mihadi narrowly escaped with his life. In his place, a man named Nicholas Ogola was illegally installed as SG completely against the union’s constitution," Hanifa claimed.
"Atwoli has been targeting the secretary generals of various independent unions, six to be specific, trying to frustrate and intimidate them," the activist added.
