Board members of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu) have publicly expressed their full support for the long-serving Secretary General Francis Atwoli, affirming that they will back him if he decides to seek re-election in the upcoming polls.
In a show of unity, the board welcomed Atwoli’s recent announcement regarding the upcoming elections, emphasizing their confidence in his leadership and commending his decades of service to the labor movement. Atwoli’s contributions to advancing workers’ rights and improving labor conditions have cemented his reputation as a key figure in the country’s trade union movement.
One board member, reflecting the collective sentiment, stated, “Atwoli announced on April 18 that he would soon issue a notice regarding the elections. As board members, we have already endorsed him. We have no other candidate among us.”
In addition to endorsing Atwoli, the Cotu board issued a stern warning to those attempting to challenge his leadership, urging them to cease interfering in the organization’s internal affairs. The board expressed frustration with critics, stating that such disruptions were counterproductive and could undermine the unity and progress of the labor movement.
The strong backing from Cotu’s board members underscores their commitment to ensuring stability within the union and their continued trust in Atwoli’s leadership as they head into the election period.
This endorsement and call for unity come at a critical time, as the labor movement faces numerous challenges, and leadership cohesion will be key to navigating them effectively.
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu) board has strongly reaffirmed its backing of Secretary General Francis Atwoli, emphasizing that the union’s election process is strictly governed by its constitution and must be conducted through the Ministry of Labour, which has yet to issue an official notice for the elections. The board stressed the importance of following the proper legal channels and procedures, as outlined by the union’s framework.
In a unified statement, the board members called for an end to the ongoing social media attacks targeting Atwoli, insisting that many of the critics are not even members of Cotu and have no legitimate stake in the union’s internal affairs. They urged detractors to respect the union’s processes and reminded them that when the time comes, any interested party can contest through the appropriate channels at the Ministry of Labour.
“Let them slow down. Cotu has its rightful members and a constitution. When the time comes, anyone can contest through the proper channels at the Ministry of Labour,” the board said.
These remarks come on the heels of Atwoli’s recent public comments, in which he expressed concern about the unregulated nature of social media, particularly its harmful effects on young people and its potential to distort national discourse. Atwoli called for government intervention, specifically advocating for regulation of platforms like TikTok, which he believes are contributing to a detrimental societal impact.
“There’s this thing called social media—it’s not in China, it’s controlled. The church must speak out, especially about platforms like TikTok. We can’t have such a society,” Atwoli said, adding that young people on these platforms, many of whom have never been involved in unions, are spreading misinformation and incitement.
Atwoli further urged both the government and religious leaders to take a more assertive stance on the issue, warning that the unchecked growth of digital platforms is distorting the labor narrative and tarnishing the image of the union.
The call for regulation of digital spaces reflects Atwoli’s ongoing efforts to preserve the integrity of the union and ensure that its message remains clear and uncontaminated by external influences, especially in the current era of widespread misinformation.