Nyatike MP Tom Odege. He accused the State of plans to weaken unions in the country. [Photo/youtube.com]
A NASA Member of Parliament has accused the government of harassing opposition lawmakers who also happen to be trade unionists.
Nyatike legislator Tom Odege, who is also the Secretary General of the Union of Kenya Civil Servants, said the crackdown on the labour movements was aimed at propping up weak leaders who cannot challenge Jubilee administration.
"The plan by the government to dissociate MPs from union activities is a plot to weaken workers' movements," he said, addressing journalists in Homa Bay Town on Monday.
Odege was reacting to last week directive by Labour Cabinet Secretary Phylis Kandie that trade unionists who were elected or nominated to various positions during the August 8 election to quit leadership positions in unions so that they can concentrate on politics.
The MP dismissed the directive saying it was not a big deal to hold two positions at the same time.
"Trade unions are like clubs where members contributed money to run their affairs," Odege said.
Besides Odege, other union leaders elected to Parliament include; Kuppet chairman Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya), Kuppet assistant treasurer Ronald Tonui (Bomet Central), Kuppet gender secretary (Bungoma Women Rep) and Knut Secretary general Wilson Sossion (ODM Nominated MP).