Heritage

Muchai: Fearless trade unionist who understood needs of workers

muchai

George Mukuru Muchai, was until his death last week the Member of Parliament for Kabete constituency and the deputy secretary-general of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) in Kenya. ILLUSTRATION | STANSLAUS MANTHI |

Confucius, the great Chinese teacher and philosopher, is recorded as having said, “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

This statement, for me, captures the life of the late George Mukuru Muchai, who was until his death last week the Member of Parliament for Kabete constituency and the deputy secretary-general of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) in Kenya.

Throughout his colourful and vibrant life, Mr Muchai devoted his efforts to fighting for workers’ rights rather effortlessly, belying the fact that being a trade unionist is an arduous task.

I came to know the late Mr Muchai in 1998, when I joined the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) as the Chapel Father at the Nation Media Group and continued to work with him closely when I later became the KUJ secretary general. He was vocal and focused. Even in those days in the movement, he seemed clearly cut out as a leader.

When I got the news of his death on the morning of Saturday, February 7, I knew that the trade union movement had lost a fighter. The event struck me hard, particularly because Mr Muchai was among the people who inspired me to join the trade union movement in the mid-90s.

Born in 1949, Mr Muchai was undoubtedly a great trade unionist, with a clear vision for the workers’ movement, and whose passionate advocacy for their welfare across the country inspired many people to join the cause.

Gifted speaker

In Parliament he was instrumental in the passage of the Bill to reform the National Social Security Fund and made informed contributions on labour laws. He had his own way of getting things done and unrelentingly pursued justice without fear or favour — at times in his own style.

As someone who once worked closely with him, I have no doubt that the death has caused a great loss not only to workers but also the entire country. He was a man worth emulating.

From the very first day I met him, Mr Muchai struck me as a seasoned trade unionist who understood workers’ needs and was ready to go out of his way to get them addressed. He spoke well at meetings and won the approval of many regarding his visions for the organisation and the strategies he proposed.

A gifted speaker, Mr Muchai was always present at Labour Day celebrations on May 1, his baritone voice giving the usually colourful events a signature only he could provide.

He made the presence of Cotu felt and his active life gave considerable hope to the labour movement in the country.

His glowing success in Cotu no doubt contributed to his election as the representative of the people of Kabete in the National Assembly where he beat former MP Lewis Nguyai by garnering 7,642 votes against Nguyai’s 6,802 in the party primaries of The National Alliance (TNA).

This is perhaps because he exuded the confidence and stamina required to be a champion of the people’s rights.

He should justifiably be counted among the greatest trade unionists the country has had in history such as Tom Mboya, who unfortunately also died by the bullet in the month of February.

Others who could match Mr Muchai were the likes of Juma Boy and Joseph Mugalla who also made it to Parliament while still leading the labour movement.

In Cotu, Mr Muchai distinguished himself as a true leader and proved he had the capacity to represent Francis Atwoli, the secretary-general, with vigour, enthusiasm and passion. The organisation will without a doubt remember his immense contribution to the welfare of the people of Kenya through various initiatives and proposals.

He also took time to study law at Oxford University.

For 30 years, Mr Muchai has been the general secretary of the Bakery, Confectionery, Food Manufacturing and Allied Workers Union and became the deputy secretary-general of Cotu from 2001.

Unwavering position

Until his death, the legislator had consolidated his leadership and was poised to benefit the country further, especially considering the fact that he had joined national politics.

As an MP, he had taken an unwavering position on various issues of national interest and joined the league of fearless legislators who spoke out.

He actively participated in parliamentary debates and made sure the agenda of his constituency was effectively presented to the government. And for this reason, the people of Kabete and his colleagues in the National Assembly will miss him.

A champion of development, he believed that workers could be engaged meaningfully to promote national growth and development.

While the events leading to his murder remain disturbing, it is important for security agencies to probe the matter and bring the culprits to book.

But as investigations continue, it remains true that Mr Muchai was one of the greatest trade unionists this country has had and the movement should draw lessons from his example.

The writer is the information secretary and a former secretary general of the Kenya Union of Journalists. E-mail: [email protected]