Francis Atwoli has hinted at making an exit from his position as Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU).
Speaking during the Labor Day celebrations held at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on Thursday, Atwoli mentioned that he had served under all presidents of Kenya and was considering stepping down.
This comes after he had earlier declared, during the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s aide, that President Ruto would be the last Commander-in-Chief he serves under.
“Recently, Your Excellency, when we were with you in Nyanza, I mentioned that you are the last president for me to serve under. I have served all presidents of the Republic of Kenya, and I also told stewards recently that, as you see me here, I’m contemplating an exit,” Atwoli said.
However, on Tuesday, COTU’s board unanimously endorsed Atwoli’s reelection in the upcoming elections scheduled for 2026. In his response, he vowed to respect whatever decision the board will make concerning COTU’s leadership.
“I want to assure them: as much as our song says ‘Solidarity is forever,’ that doesn’t mean only the holy are fit to lead the labor movement. Our organization is democratic; we are free and independent,” he stated.
Atwoli has been at the helm of COTU since 2001, with his recent reelection for a fourth term taking place in 2021.
He has lately faced backlash from the public, with many questioning the Union’s term limits and some calling for his retirement.
