The Central Organization of Trade Unions Kenya (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has dismissed a petition filed to challenge his re-election for a sixth term.
In a statement on Wednesday, March 18, Atwoli, responding to a case filed by Fazul Mohamed alongside the Institute for Democratic Governance, termed the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
Atwoli maintained that the petitioner had no grounds to question the election, given that he was not a member of COTU or any of its affiliated unions.
“It is important to note that the busybody behind the petition is neither a member of any affiliate union of COTU (K), nor an official of any trade union, nor a participant in the electoral process,” Atwoli stated in a statement, adding, “He did not present himself for nomination for any position within COTU (K).”
The COTU Secretary General reiterated that the elections were conducted in accordance with the union’s constitution, which requires 51 per cent of eligible voters.
“The COTU elections themselves were conducted with union’s overwhelming participation from affiliated unions, with a quorum of 92 per cent of eligible delegates, which is above the constitutional requirement of 51 per cent,” he said.
On Tuesday, March 17, Fazul Mohamed filed a petition before the Employment and Labour Relations Court challenging the conduct and outcome of the COTU-K elections held on March 14, 2026, in Kisumu.
The petitioners argued that the elections were conducted in violations of the law and the timelines provided by the Registrar of the Trade Unions. They also alleged that some labour unions were excluded from the polls.
The outcome, which saw Atwoli reportedly secure a sixth term unopposed as Secretary General, is also being contested over concerns about transparency and due process. COTU-K, however, maintains the process met all required standards.
Francis Atwoli has headed COTU since 2001, but his leadership has recently faced criticism, with some pushing for new leadership and fresh ideas within the labour movement.
