Francis Atwoli endorsed by 42 trade unions for another term as COTU Secretary General

Veteran trade unionist Francis Atwoli has received a major boost in his bid to retain the position of Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) after 42 affiliated trade unions formally endorsed him for another term ahead of the organisation’s upcoming elections.

The endorsement was announced on Tuesday following a meeting of COTU board members and senior officials, who said the decision reflected broad consensus within the labour movement and recognition of Atwoli’s long-standing leadership.

The unions resolved to back him as their preferred candidate, effectively clearing the path for what could be his sixth term at the helm of Kenya’s largest workers’ umbrella body.

Addressing the media after the meeting, a board member said Atwoli was endorsed unanimously because no alternative candidate had emerged from within the organisation’s leadership structures.

“As the board and as representatives of affiliated unions, we have endorsed Francis Atwoli as our candidate. There is no other candidate among us who has presented themselves for the position,” the official said.

The board member dismissed growing public calls for leadership change at COTU, arguing that many of the voices pushing for Atwoli’s exit were not part of the labour movement and lacked the credentials required to contest for the office.

“There are individuals making noise about COTU leadership who are not even members of registered trade unions. Some are not part of the labour movement at all, and we do not understand where their pressure is coming from,” he added.

COTU leaders also defended Atwoli against criticism over his public statements and use of social media, insisting that his outspoken nature should not be mistaken for misconduct. 

They argued that the labour movement should not be influenced by online activism detached from workers’ realities.

“Those claiming they want to reform COTU are not labour leaders. They are not one of us. These voices are coming from the streets, not from organised workers,” the board member said, urging critics to respect the organisation’s constitution and internal processes.

The endorsement comes as COTU prepares for elections scheduled for next year, with the official notice for the polls already issued. 

Atwoli publicly confirmed on April 18 that the organisation was entering an election period and that its structures were being readied to oversee the process.

COTU officials reiterated that anyone wishing to contest for leadership must meet strict eligibility requirements, including being a registered trade union official recognised by the Ministry of Labour.

“If anyone wants to participate in COTU leadership, they must first register a trade union. COTU is not an NGO platform. If you come with an NGO agenda, you are in the wrong place,” the board member said.

Atwoli, who was re-elected unopposed during the last election, has led COTU for more than two decades. 

He first assumed office in August 2001 and has since become one of the most influential figures in Kenya’s labour movement, known for his close engagement with successive governments and employers.

Earlier this month, Atwoli revealed that he has served under every Kenyan president since independence, suggesting that President William Ruto’s administration could be the last he works with before retiring.

“I have served under Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and now President William Ruto. Maybe this will be the last government I serve under before I retire back home,” Atwoli said during a public event.