Atwoli Lauds Ruto at Labour Day, Signals Potential Exit from COTU Leadership
Atwoli, who has led COTU since 2001, recounted his service under every Kenyan president since independence, from Jomo Kenyatta to Ruto.
Atwoli praises Ruto at COTU's 60th Labour Day celebration in Nairobi. Photo/The Kenya Times.
By Juliet Jerotich
On May 1, 2025, the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) marked its 60th Labour Day celebration at Uhuru Gardens, with Secretary-General Francis Atwoli commending President William Ruto for his steadfast support for Kenyan workers.
The event, a milestone in COTU’s Diamond Jubilee, saw Atwoli reflect on his long tenure while hinting that Ruto may be the last president he serves under before retiring from the union’s leadership.
Atwoli, who has led COTU since 2001, recounted his service under every Kenyan president since independence, from Jomo Kenyatta to Ruto.
“I stated recently in Nyanza with His Excellency that you’re the last president I’ll serve,” he said, addressing Ruto. “I’m contemplating leaving, but we have democracy, and we remain responsive to workers’ needs.”
His remarks sparked speculation about his future, though he emphasized confidence in COTU’s trade unionists to uphold the organization’s mission of advocating for workers’ rights.
The COTU executive committee recently endorsed Atwoli to defend his seat in the 2026 elections, expressing unwavering trust in his leadership.
Moss Ndiema, Secretary-General of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), affirmed, “We’ve decided we want Atwoli to defend his seat. This is democracy and the voice of the people.”
Atwoli underscored COTU’s democratic and independent nature, vowing to respect the outcome of any future leadership election.
“The union is free and independent, articulating workers’ issues, and we’ll respect decisions made,” he stated.
Atwoli highlighted COTU’s solidarity, noting that a section of the executive board continues to believe in collective action.
The Labour Day celebration, attended by President Ruto, was overshadowed by economic challenges, including high inflation and youth unemployment, as noted in recent posts on X.
Despite these, Atwoli praised Ruto’s commitment to workers’ welfare, echoing sentiments from the 2024 Labour Day when Ruto announced a 6% minimum wage increase.
As COTU celebrates 60 years, Atwoli’s potential exit looms large. His legacy, built on decades of advocacy, faces scrutiny amid calls for wage hikes and better working conditions.
Observers will watch closely as Atwoli navigates his final chapter, balancing democratic principles with the needs of Kenya’s 19.1 million-strong workforce.
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