COTU issues fresh threats

The Central Organization Of Trade Unions(COTU) has issued fresh threats to hold a countrywide workers strike if the government does not respond to its proposal of a minimum wage of 60 percent and the general wage by 10 percent increment come May 1.

Speaking during COTU's prayers day at St Stephen Anglican Church Jogoo road, Cotu's secretary general Francis Atwoli revealed plans to demonstrate during that day if the government fails to address the issue and warned of a looming uprising in the country following the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities.

The federation of Kenya employers (FKE) has already stood its ground that employers will not increase salaries with claims that this would lead to more inflation.

Cotu is demanding for the increment of minimum wages from 7,000 to 11,000 shillings.

The general wages for an unskilled worker in the agricultural sector currently stands at Sh3,347 per month, far below the cost of living.

The minimum wage for general workers such as cleaners, house servants, watchmen among other categories stands at Sh7,334.

Last week, Atwoli said the union will not accept anything out of its proposal presented to the Prime Minister Raila Odinga last month.

Speaking at the same function, outgoing US envoy Michael Rannerberger says he has no regrets over controversies that rocked his stay in Kenya.

Rannerberger has however urged Kenyans to be wary of the political class and instead demand accountability for their actions saying the future of the country is at stake.

In the six years he has been in the country, Rannerberger has been in the forefront pushing for the reform agenda and has stepped on a few toes while at it.

Last year, the whistle blowing website Wikileaks revealed the ambassadors conversations and caused a major uproar in the country.

In one of the missives, he portrayed the country's leadership as corrupt and lacking a development agenda.

On Wednesday 23rd December, Imenti North MP Silas Ruteere introduced a motion in parliament seeking to discuss Rannerberger's conduct on claims that he has breached the diplomatic privileges and immunities granted by the country.

It was a motion that began on a heated note with tempers flaring and accusations of impropriety flying.

Some Mps however argued that it was not within parliament's mandate to discuss the conduct of a diplomat and the motion was recalled.

His youth empowerment initiative also saw him ruffle feathers of the political elite who felt he was organising a revolt against the government.

Rannerberger will be successed by Scott Gracion.