Board members of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) have declared their full support for Francis Atwoli to continue serving as Secretary General in the upcoming COTU elections.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, April 29, one of the board members stated that Atwoli was endorsed since no other candidates from within the board had contested.
"We, as the board, have already endorsed Atwoli as our candidate. We don’t have any other candidate among ourselves," he said.
He further noted that individuals who are not part of the labour movement have expressed interest in the COTU leadership, despite being unqualified to contest.
“There are people who are eyeing COTU leadership, and they do not have any business being involved because they are not even members of any trade union. So we don’t understand where their anxiety is coming from,” he added.
The board member went on to defend Atwoli, pointing out that he had previously warned about the misuse of social media and claimed that those calling for leadership change are not genuine labour leaders.
“Those who want to bring change in COTU are not part of the labour movement. They are not one of us. These voices are coming from people in the streets,” he said.
Adding, "We are telling them to calm down. COTU has its rightful members and a constitution to follow. When the time comes, they can contest if they qualify.”
He confirmed that the official election notice had already been issued and that Atwoli had announced on April 18 that elections were forthcoming.
The board member also emphasised that anyone interested in contesting must first register as a trade union through the Ministry of Labour.
“If anyone wants to take part in COTU matters, they must register as a trade union, not a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Once they are registered, we can consider their affiliation. But if you are coming here with an NGO agenda, you’re in the wrong place. COTU belongs to its members,” he added.
Atwoli was re-elected unopposed for a fifth term during the last election. The next election is scheduled for next year.
This comes after Atwoli, on April 12, revealed that he has served under the tenures of all presidents in Kenya, and President Ruto’s administration might be the last.
“I have had the opportunity to serve all the presidents of Kenya since independence. I served Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Arap Moi, who was our president for 24 years, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and now you, President William Ruto. And maybe your government will be the last I serve in as COTU SG before I retire back to Khwisero,” Atwoli stated.
Atwoli has served as COTU Secretary General for over two decades. He assumed the position in August 2001 and has remained active in the labour movement, having been re-elected multiple times.
