NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 15 – Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has dismissed mounting calls for generational change in leadership, arguing that Kenya does not need young leaders to steer the country forward.
Speaking Monday at the official opening of the Third Edition of the Employment and Labour Relations Court Annual Symposium (ELRASE III) at Strathmore University, Atwoli defended the dominance of the old guard in politics and unions, insisting that experience trumps youth.
“Let no one tell you that this country needs young leaders… nowhere in the world. How old is Donald Trump? Even the Italian president is 93, he has to be assisted to the podium,” Atwoli said, to laughter from the audience.
The veteran unionist, who has led COTU for 24 years, used his own career as an example of why age should not be a barrier to leadership.
“Even me, why do you think workers in Kenya have stuck with me all these years? They don’t want to let me go,” he quipped.
Atwoli’s remarks are likely to spark mixed reactions at a time when youthful leaders and activists are pushing for greater inclusion in political and economic decision-making.
Beyond the leadership debate, the symposium centered on combating child labour under the theme “Elimination of All Forms of Child Labour and Access to Justice.”
Chief Justice Martha Koome, who presided over the event, called child labour a “grave injustice,” stressing that it robs children of dignity and the future guaranteed by the constitution.
“If we are to take seriously the promises of our constitution, we must take seriously the fight against child labour,” she said.
Justice Antony Mrima of the High Court echoed her concerns, urging broader collaboration to address the issue.
“The elimination of child labour cannot be done by the Judiciary alone. May our conversations in this symposium inspire bold and practical steps to protect children and secure their full potential,” he told participants.
Atwoli also emphasized the role of social protection, saying the best way to safeguard children is by ensuring parents earn dignified livelihoods.
The symposium brought together judges, labour leaders, and child rights advocates, highlighting the urgent need for collective action against child exploitation — even as Atwoli’s controversial comments on leadership set off a parallel debate.
The halls of Kenya’s labor movement are echoing with disturbing allegations against one of its most powerful figures.
Francis Atwoli, the 76-year-old Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), finds himself at the center of explosive accusations that paint a picture of systematic intimidation and manipulation within the country’s union landscape.
The allegations, brought forward by human rights activist Hanifa Adan, claim that Atwoli, who has served as COTU’s Secretary General since August 2001 , is orchestrating a calculated campaign to eliminate six union leaders who pose potential challenges to his continued dominance.
The targeted unions reportedly include Water and Sanitation, Commercial, Journalism, Security, PUTON, and the Transport and Allied Workers Union (TAWU).
The most detailed allegations center on TAWU, where Dan Mihadi serves as the general secretary.
According to the claims, on May 26th, Atwoli allegedly dispatched enforcers to physically confront Mihadi at his office, forcing him to flee for his safety.
In the aftermath, Nicholas Ogola was purportedly installed as Secretary General, bypassing the union’s constitutional procedures entirely.
What followed reads like a script from a political thriller.
Mihadi initially secured a favorable court ruling, only to watch it mysteriously overturned by the same judicial panel.
The accusations suggest that Ogola’s supporters brazenly boasted of Atwoli’s influence over the judges, claiming the veteran labor leader had “sorted out” the courts to ensure Mihadi’s downfall.
The web of alleged manipulation extends beyond the courtroom.
A forgery complaint was filed against Mihadi at Central Police Station, leading to his arrest.
However, in a bizarre twist, the individual whose name appeared on the complaint later denied ever stepping foot in the police station or having any involvement in the charges.
Despite this contradiction, law enforcement allegedly showed no interest in investigating the discrepancy.
The timing of these allegations is particularly significant given the broader context of Atwoli’s political positioning.
The COTU board has walked back on Atwoli’s declaration that he would exit the leadership, and board members have unanimously endorsed Francis Atwoli to continue as Secretary General in the upcoming union elections.
This reversal came after Atwoli hinted at his exit from the union during Labour Day celebrations , suggesting internal pressures may be influencing his decision to remain in power.
The allegations paint a troubling picture of institutional capture, where police officers allegedly warned Mihadi that substantial resources had been deployed to keep him entangled in legal proceedings indefinitely.
If true, these claims suggest a coordinated effort involving multiple state institutions, from the judiciary to law enforcement agencies.
These accusations come at a time when Atwoli faces pressure to retire after 24 years as COTU boss, yet the COTU Executive Board has reaffirmed its support for Atwoli and plans to back him for re-election in 2026.
The allegations suggest this support may not extend throughout the broader labor movement, particularly among independent union leaders who might challenge the established order.
The Transport and Allied Workers Union has been particularly active in recent years, with Mihadi leading advocacy efforts for aviation workers’ rights and opposing various transportation policies.
TAWU Secretary General Dan Mihadi has been vocal about aviation workers being overlooked and has called for government intervention on minimum wages.
If substantiated, these allegations would represent a serious breach of democratic principles within Kenya’s labor movement.
They suggest a pattern of using state institutions and extra-legal pressure to suppress internal dissent and maintain power structures that may no longer serve the interests of ordinary workers.
The accusations also raise questions about the integrity of Kenya’s judicial and law enforcement systems, particularly their susceptibility to external influence in labor disputes.
The alleged ease with which court decisions can be overturned and false charges fabricated points to systemic vulnerabilities that extend far beyond the labor movement.
As Kenya’s labor movement grapples with these serious allegations, the broader implications for workers’ rights and democratic governance within trade unions remain to be seen.
The coming months will likely determine whether these accusations lead to meaningful reforms or whether they become another chapter in the complex power dynamics that have long characterized Kenya’s institutional landscape.
The allegations against Atwoli, if proven true, would represent not just a personal failing but a systemic breakdown in the checks and balances that should govern democratic institutions.
For a movement built on principles of worker solidarity and collective action, such accusations strike at the very heart of organized labor’s credibility and moral authority.
As investigations into these claims potentially unfold, the Kenyan labor movement faces a critical juncture that will test its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the democratic principles upon which effective trade unionism depends.
Francis Atwoli is once again speaking out about Kenya’s controversial labour export policies.
The COTU Secretary General is calling for the complete disbandment of the National Employment Authority (NEA), which he accuses of aiding modern-day slavery and conning desperate job seekers.
Atwoli, who has been a vocal critic of NEA for years, now wants the agency scrapped altogether, warning that it continues to send Kenyan workers abroad with little to no protection.
Atwoli Blames National Employment Authority for Enabling Worker Exploitation Abroad
On Monday, May 19, 2025, Francis Atwoli took to his verified X account to raise alarm over the ongoing export of Kenyan workers, especially domestic and unskilled labourers, to the Gulf region. According to Atwoli, this trend is putting vulnerable youth at risk of abuse, exploitation, and even death.
He directly blamed the National Employment Authority, saying it has failed to put proper systems in place to protect the rights of Kenyan workers abroad. Atwoli called the agency an “agent of modern slavery” and demanded it be dissolved immediately.
“The NEA operates without proper oversight. It collaborates with rogue recruitment agencies that care more about profit than people,” Atwoli wrote. “Many of our youth are shipped off to foreign countries where they are treated like slaves.”
Atwoli further proposed that the NEA’s duties be placed under the Ministry of Labour, where accountability would be higher and systems more transparent.
Kenyan Workers Face Inhumane Treatment in Gulf Countries
Atwoli’s concerns stem from the growing number of disturbing reports about Kenyan workers, particularly women, facing abuse in countries like Saudi Arabia. These workers often leave Kenya with hopes of a better life but end up trapped in unbearable situations.
“Many of our youth are forced to work for people who believe they own them,” Atwoli said. “You’ve all seen these stories on TV. They are treated like they have no rights.”
He urged the government to suspend all labour export agreements involving domestic and low-skilled workers. According to him, this is the only way to stop the cycle of abuse.
Rogue Agents Are Profiting at the Expense of Desperate Job Seekers
A major part of Atwoli’s criticism revolves around how NEA works with private employment agencies that promise jobs abroad but fail to inform recruits about the risks involved. Many Kenyans are conned into paying large sums of money to secure these jobs, only to find themselves in worse conditions than they left behind.
“These agents are nothing short of modern-day slave traders,” Atwoli said.
He stressed that the National Employment Authority has normalized these practices by turning a blind eye to the suffering of Kenyan workers overseas. Atwoli believes that NEA should have mechanisms to vet recruitment agencies and monitor the treatment of exported workers—but it does not.
National Employment Authority Must Shift Focus to Creating Local Jobs
Instead of sending its youth abroad, Atwoli believes Kenya should channel efforts into building a stronger local economy. He pointed out that Kenya was once the leader in East Africa economically, but poor policy choices have cost the country its edge.
“Until recently, we had the highest GDP in East Africa, even higher than Ethiopia’s,” Atwoli said. “Now, we’ve lost that advantage. We must go back to the drawing board.”
He urged the government to invest in local industries, boost manufacturing, and support small businesses. These efforts, he argued, would create more sustainable employment for young people.
“Exporting our workforce is not a long-term solution. It’s a sign of a failing system,” he said. “Let’s fix our economy and give our youth opportunities right here at home.”
Pressure Mounts on the Government to Act
Atwoli’s statements are not new, but his renewed call adds pressure on the government to review the operations of the National Employment Authority. Human rights activists and labour unions have echoed similar sentiments in the past.
Whether or not the government will act on these demands remains to be seen. But for now, Atwoli remains firm: Kenya must prioritize the dignity, safety, and future of its youth—not export them into danger.
Fresh Plot to Remove Long-serving Union Boss Emerges as COTU Marks 60 Years
As the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) marks its 60th anniversary this week, a scathing newspaper analysis has branded the umbrella labor body as a “compromised” institution that has strayed far from its mandate of defending workers’ rights.
Meanwhile, rumors are intensifying about an elaborate plot to remove Secretary-General Francis Atwoli from his position in the upcoming 2026 elections.
According to a report published in the Daily Nation titled “Solidarity sold? 60 years of COTU’s compromised legacy,” the labor organization was deliberately established in 1965 as a political tool to “contain the rise of an independent and militant workers’ front.”
The lengthy analysis argues that founding President Jomo Kenyatta engineered COTU’s formation to ensure “industrial peace” – effectively neutralizing radical unionism that might threaten the state’s power.
“What has followed in the last six decades has been a delicate dance between the COTU leadership and the Executive where workers’ rights have often been sacrificed at the altar of supposed national stability and economic growth,” the newspaper states.
This criticism comes as an image circulating in media circles suggests Atwoli, who has led COTU since 2001, faces a serious challenge to his leadership.
The report claims that “plans to unseat him in the upcoming 2026 elections are said to be in high gear,” with his potential successor allegedly working with members of Atwoli’s inner circle to orchestrate his removal.
The plot reportedly has backing from “powerful State mandarins and disgruntled union members who are eager for new leadership.”
Sources indicate a strategy meeting took place in Naivasha last week where several union leaders met to “finalize plans to push him out.”
Atwoli’s Rebuttal
In a swift response posted on social media, Atwoli dismissed the historical analysis, describing journalist John Kamau as “an exceptional writer and a repository of historical literature” whose “great understanding of history has made him blind to progress.”
“I remain available to appraise John on the developments in the labour movement in Kenya, post 2001,” Atwoli stated, suggesting that the writer’s “perspective remains trapped in the bygone era” and fails to acknowledge COTU’s evolution during his two-decade tenure.
The 74-year-old labor leader recently hinted at his eventual departure while suggesting that “only then will people know his importance in the position” – perhaps acknowledging awareness of the unfolding scheme.
This comes despite COTU’s executive committee previously endorsing him for a sixth term.
The Daily Nation article traces COTU’s history of political entanglement through successive regimes, noting how previous Secretary-Generals like Denis Akumu, Juma Boy, Justus Mulei, and Joseph Mugalla navigated complex relationships with state power.
“Today, at Solidarity House, the echoes of a once-radical workers’ movement have all but faded. Labour Day rallies, once brimming with defiance and purpose, now suffer from poor turnout and lack the revolutionary spirit of the past,” the newspaper concludes.
Atwoli’s tenure has been marked by his ability to maintain relationships across political divides. Most recently, after initially opposing President William Ruto during campaigns, he expressed willingness to work with the administration “to create an enabling environment for Kenyan workers.”
Critics argue this pattern reflects COTU’s historical compromise – prioritizing institutional survival and leadership entrenchment over militant advocacy for workers’ rights.
As the organization celebrates its diamond jubilee, questions about its independence and effectiveness continue to grow louder.
NAIROBI — Long-serving Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has signaled his imminent departure from leadership, issuing a stark warning that Kenyans will soon “realise there is something amiss” in the country’s labor movement after he steps down.
Speaking at a pre-Labor Day meeting on Saturday, Atwoli emphasized COTU’s significance on the continental stage, describing it as “one of the most powerful trade union organisations” in Africa.
“Soon, I will exit with all this group, that is when you will start realising there is something amiss in Kenya’s labour movement. You will see,” Atwoli told attendees, suggesting that his departure may create a leadership vacuum in Kenya’s trade union scene.
Francis Atwoli.
The veteran labor leader, who has held his position since 2001, earlier hinted at retirement during an address on May 14, noting that President William Ruto would likely be the last Head of State he serves under before returning to his home in Khwisero.
“I have had the opportunity to serve all the Presidents of Kenya since independence,” Atwoli reflected.
“I have seen the government of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the founding father of this nation, I have seen Mzee Daniel Moi’s government, which we were with for 24 years, I have seen the government of Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and yours (William Ruto).”
His remarks come as COTU prepares for Labor Day celebrations in 2025, a traditional platform for the union to address workers’ concerns nationwide.
Atwoli defended his legacy, highlighting achievements including his fight to secure paternity leave for Kenyan workers and his role in establishing five sets of labor laws.
He also pointed to COTU’s international influence, referencing the organization’s role in securing key positions for African representatives in global labor bodies.
The COTU Secretary General’s tenure has been a subject of public debate throughout his nearly quarter-century at the helm, with many questioning the duration of his leadership.
Despite these criticisms, Atwoli maintains that his contributions to Kenya’s labor movement will only be fully appreciated after his departure.
“Kenyans are keen on remembering their leaders after they have left office and not when serving them,” he observed, suggesting that his legacy will be better recognized in retrospect.
While Atwoli did not specify an exact retirement date, his statements mark the clearest indication yet that one of Kenya’s most recognizable and enduring labor leaders may soon step aside, potentially reshaping the landscape of workers’ representation in the country.
Renowned KTN news anchor Mary Kilobi has given birth to a healthy baby boy, bringing joy to her family and friends.
The newborn, affectionately named Atwoli Junior (AJ), marks a significant milestone in Kilobi’s seven-year marriage to veteran trade unionist Francis Atwoli.
Kilobi, 40, hails from Bungoma County in western Kenya. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature and Kiswahili from Makerere University.
Before joining KTN, she worked as a producer, editor, and anchor at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation for four years.
In addition to her broadcasting career, Kilobi authored the Kiswahili teaching book Jifunze Kiswahili, available in major bookshops in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Francis Atwoli, 75, is a prominent Kenyan trade unionist who currently serves as the Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), a position he has held since 2001.
Born in Kakamega County, Atwoli has dedicated his life to advocating for workers’ rights and played a key role in mainstreaming labor rights in Kenya’s constitution.
The couple’s journey to parenthood has been marked by patience and resilience. Kilobi expressed her gratitude, emphasizing that she conceived naturally without medical intervention.
“I didn’t go through any medical procedures to conceive,” she shared, highlighting the natural course of their journey.
Atwoli, who is currently in Geneva for official duties, is overjoyed by the arrival of his son.
Despite the distance, he has remained in constant communication with Kilobi and eagerly anticipates meeting baby AJ upon his return.
The news has drawn warm congratulations from colleagues, friends, and the public.
Many have taken to social media to celebrate the couple’s new addition, praising their commitment to family amid their demanding careers.
As Kilobi embarks on this new chapter of motherhood, she continues to inspire many with her dedication to both her profession and her family.
The birth of Atwoli Junior stands as a testament to the couple’s enduring love and the joys that come with patience and faith.
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), Kenya’s premier labor union tasked with championing workers’ rights, is under fire following explosive whistleblower allegations of systemic mismanagement, sexual harassment, and employee mistreatment.
The accusations, first brought to light by blogger Cyprian Nyakundi via an anonymous employee’s detailed exposé, have thrust COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli into an uncomfortable spotlight, prompting a swift rebuttal from the union boss.
A Damning Exposé
The whistleblower’s account, shared with Nyakundi and posted on X on March 22, 2025, paints a grim picture of life inside COTU.
The anonymous employee alleges that staff endure months-long salary delays with no explanation, while management continues to jet-set on business trips.
“The bosses are busy travelling as normal staff struggle with late salary payments, low payments, and biased promotions and salary increments,” the employee wrote.
More disturbingly, the whistleblower claims that dissent is met with ruthless reprisals. “Anyone who tries to speak out against these ills is fired without due procedure,” they stated, citing the recent dismissals of employees identified only as Irine, Selina, Jackline, Nnamdi, and Mike.
The employee also highlighted a mysterious SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative) scheme, alleging that staff are coerced into deductions for an entity with no known officials, location, or accountability. “We are over-deducted on issues we don’t even understand. We go home with nothing,” they lamented.
Perhaps the most shocking accusation is the pervasive sexual harassment targeting young female interns. According to the whistleblower, interns are either preyed upon by senior officials or have their attachments terminated if they resist.
“Young girls coming in for internship are being sexually harassed or have their attachments discontinued. The naive ones are being carried by the bosses everywhere they go for meetings — for their sexual pleasure,” the account reads. One specific case alleges that a friend was sacked after refusing advances from “a very old administrative secretary” who allegedly leverages stolen funds to coerce staff into sexual favors.
The whistleblower also recounted the fate of a new accountant, Mike, who was reportedly fired after uncovering payroll irregularities.
“When he started highlighting irregularities in the payroll and how funds were not being well accounted for, he was forced to go on compulsory leave and fired a few days later,” they claimed.
Adding to the intrigue, the employee referenced an unnamed boss with an active sexual harassment case in Brussels, hastily repatriated to Nairobi to avoid scrutiny.
Atwoli’s Defense
In a detailed response issued shortly after the allegations surfaced, Francis Atwoli dismissed the claims as “defamatory remarks aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the union.”
The outspoken COTU leader branded the whistleblower’s account as baseless and driven by personal vendetta, asserting that the organization remains committed to its employees’ welfare.
On the issue of salary delays, Atwoli insisted that payments are always made on time, with the exception of one incident involving an employee he accused of tampering with the payroll. He identified this individual as a probationary staff member dismissed after four months for attempting “to change COTU’s payroll for personal financial gain and even alter[ing] the organization’s logo.”
Atwoli emphasized that the termination followed due process and that COTU refrained from pursuing legal action despite the alleged misconduct.
Addressing the unlawful dismissal claims, Atwoli argued that no employee has been unfairly sacked.
“All those mentioned who have since left COTU (K) have since paid their service payments and dues and none has since complained,” he said, adding that many former staff have secured senior roles in the private and public sectors.
On the explosive sexual harassment allegations, Atwoli was unequivocal: “COTU (K) has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment.” He pointed to the union’s “well-defined Sexual Harassment Policy and a safeguarding policy,” which he claimed ensures swift and decisive action on complaints.
“As of today, no serving officer and or official of COTU (K) is facing any allegations or investigations related to sexual harassment,” he added, encouraging staff to report incidents internally or to authorities.
Atwoli reaffirmed COTU’s dedication to transparency, fairness, and workers’ rights, urging the public to dismiss the whistleblower’s claims and contact the union for clarification.
A Clash of Narratives
The stark contrast between the whistleblower’s account and Atwoli’s rebuttal raises troubling questions about the inner workings of COTU, an organization meant to be a beacon for Kenyan workers.
While Atwoli’s response seeks to restore confidence, the specificity of the allegations — including named employees and references to a Brussels incident — suggests a deeper story that may not be easily dismissed.
Posts on X (formerly Twitter) reflect growing public skepticism. One user remarked, “Hapo kwa sexual harassment i heard kitambo and things are bad there for young ladies. COTU is a sick rotten place. Atwoli being the sickest of all,” echoing sentiments that the allegations may have roots in longstanding rumors.
Another called for COTU and Atwoli to part ways, citing “corruption, sexual harassment, and workers mistreatment” as grievous offenses.
The whistleblower’s plea for investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) adds urgency to the matter.
“A lot of us will confide in them if they come on the ground. The staff are demoralized and can’t speak out openly,” they wrote. Yet, without concrete evidence beyond the anonymous account, the claims remain unverified — a challenge compounded by the employee’s request for anonymity, likely出于 fear of retaliation.
The ambiguity of the allegations is too serious to ignore, particularly given COTU’s mandate to protect workers.
Atwoli’s dismissal of the claims as a personal vendetta does little to address the detailed nature of the accusations or the whistleblower’s call for independent scrutiny.
The mention of a Brussels case, if true, could be a critical lead — one that merits further investigation into COTU’s international dealings and the conduct of its officials.
Meanwhile, it appears that the duel is just starting and a lot more could be uncovered in due time.
Screenshots by Kenya Insights.
For now, the ball is in the court of Kenya’s investigative authorities.
Will the DCI and DPP heed the whistleblower’s appeal and launch a probe? Or will these allegations fade into the noise of unproven rumors? One thing is clear: the voices of COTU’s staff — silenced by fear or amplified by courage — deserve to be heard.
Until then, Francis Atwoli’s assurances ring hollow against the raw, unfiltered desperation of a whistleblower caught off guard by a system they once trusted.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has proposed a legislation that could threaten the existence of Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli from the position that he had held for more than two decades.
The Labour Relations (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seek to set term limits for union officials and to end the current arrangement where officials can hold office for as many terms as possible provided they are duly elected and re-elected.
“The principal object of the bill is to provide for the term of office of officials of a trade union, employers’ organisation or federation and requirements for registering a trade union,” the bill states.
“An official of a trade union, employers’ organisation or federation shall hold office for a term beginning on the date on which the official was elected and ending when a person is next elected as an official.”
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch. Photo/Facebook.
Expectedly, Mr. Atwoli has lashed out at the proposal claiming it goes against the principles of free and independent trade unions as advocated for by the International Labour Organisation.
Mr Atwoli said trade unions are essential, free and independent organisations representing the interests of workers, with operations guided by their constitutions.
“It is evident that first-term Senator Eddy Oketch needs to spend more time familiarising himself with the workings of the Senate, particularly with regard to the autonomy and independence of trade unions, rather than talking about issues that are hitherto of no interest to the many Kenyans servicing and sustaining his stay at the Senate.” Atwoli said.
“Cotu wishes to express strong opposition to the Labour Relations (Amendment) Bill 2024,” Mr Atwoli declined yesterday.
Atwoli has called on Senator Oketch to unconditionally withdraw the Bill and instead engage the National Labour Board.
The proposed bill has been published for introduction in the Senate for first reading.
It is set to undergo public participation where officials will share their views on the proposed law.
The Bill, that appears to target long-term officials of trade unions and federations, officials of the groups shall hold office for not more than two terms.
The radical move could see long-serving Cotu SG Atwoli and Federation of Kenya Employers executive director Jacqueline Mugo exit office.
In a rejoinder, however, Atwoli challenged Senator Oketch to familiarise himself with the workings of the Senate, particularly concerning the autonomy and independence of trade unions rather than talking about issues that are hitherto of no interest to the many Kenyans servicing and sustaining his stay at the Senate.
Atwoli has served as Cotu secretary general since 2001 when he was first elected.
His current term ends in April 2026 after he won re-election on April 9, 2021.
Reactions
A section of country’s leadership has reacted to Atwoli’s assertions and fight to keep his hold on power mostly terming it selfish.
“Francis Atwoli has served time and must now leave the Labour Relations arena. Courts are abolishing life sentences for capital offenses, opining that 30 years is more than a life sentence. Why should one individual serve in a public office for more than 30 years.” Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Nelson Havi said.
Former Kiambu governor William Kabogo alludes that Atwoli is not indispensable and that he should give way for new leadership, “ this should not be in debate, all public servants should have term limits. No one is indisposable. Fresh is always good.” He said.
“Francis Atwoli has walked on the backs of Kenyan workers for decades for selfish gain. Most of those he represents are underpaid. COTU is as useless as a used tissue paper. Atwoli only negotiates for his stomach. That’s why he survives by kissing every successive regime’s ass.” Musa Salah posted on X.
However, speaking on Wednesday on Citizen TV, Atwoli said it is not up to him to decide when to retire.
“Are you serving the people who gave you that mandate? That is the question. It is not me to retire, it is them to say. I wanted to retire in 2011 and they said no, I wanted to retire in 2016 they said no. In 2021 I said now you will decide. I’m still around,” he said.
By the time of the next election, Atwoli will have served for 25 years.
Last year, he hinted at leaving Cotu at the end of the current term.
“Matters Cotu-K leadership are Cotu-K constitutional issue and not an Atwoli issue. As of now, I am in office serving my last term,” Atwoli said.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers secretary general Akello Misori and chairman Omboko Milemba have also served the union for a long time.
Other long-serving trade union officials are Kenya County Government Workers Union secretary general Roba Duba and Kenya Union of Nurses secretary general Seth Panyako.
According to the Bill, existing officials of a trade union, employers organisation or federation shall be deemed to be duly elected under the Act for the remainder of their term.
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General, Francis Atwoli, has met with Qatar’s Labour Minister Dr Ali Samikh on the plight of Kenyan workers in the Gulf States.
From the meeting, it was revealed that a number of employment agencies are owned and operated by top state officials.
The talks come in the midst of an upsurge of complaints on the plight of Kenyan workers in Qatar and the Gulf states, who complain of various violations of Human Rights by their employers.
In a press statement released today two leaders agreed to eradicate deceitful employment agencies as well as ensure the safety of Kenyan workers.
“This meeting also sought to establish a dialogue with the Qatari authorities on the rights and conditions of African workers in that country and the region as a whole,” Atwoli’s statement read in part.
“It was also agreed that there is a need to ensure the safety of Kenyan workers, especially domestic workers, in Qatar by doing away with employment agencies that have been used to sneak in Kenyans to the gulf states,”.
The minister also noted that they were in the process of cancelling the operations of Kenyan owned employment agencies.
“At least 12 licenses have already been cancelled so far, with some of these agencies owned and operated by senior government officials,” COTU’s statement added.
Among the closed recruitment offices were Starch, Anand, Sunrise, Dubai, Frame, Al Adam, Absher, Al Methaq, Resala, Altaaon, and Althabat. These agencies can no longer engage in recruiting labour or concluding contracts with employers.
Moreover, the meeting recommended that the Kenyan government should emulate the Philippines government and establish government-to-government relations with the Qatar government.
“The Kenyan government should establish government-to-government relations with the Qatar government so that the negotiations on the terms and conditions of Kenyan workers in Qatar are overseen by the government and not agencies,” he added.
Atwoli was part of the African trade union mission to Doha, Qatar, between February 18-21, 2022.
The mission was a follow-up relating to migrant African workers in Qatar and the Gulf states.
In November last year, Atwoli had urged the Ministry of Labour to ban Kenyan workers from seeking employment in the Middle East, terming the working conditions as slavery.
At the time, he also called for the closure of agencies taking Kenyans to Arab nations saying some Kenyans had been killed and others mistreated in the Middle East.
“The government is not going to ban the immigration of Kenyans to Middle East countries because those headed there are seeking greener pastures. We are working towards addressing these issues with the said countries and have an understanding,” said Chelugui.
He said if the government banned immigration to the Arab countries, some Kenyans would still end up there through the Persian Gulf.
Chelugui and Atwoli spoke at the 17th meeting of the African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC) committee of senior officials held in Mombasa.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has written to the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) to own exclusive rights to the phrases ‘alaa, alaaa and alaaa.”
Through an application, Atwoli intends to use the slogan on clothing, footwear and headgear.
He adds that the slogan is publicly attributed to him and has no English translation.
“Alaa has no English translation. It is more of a slogan, chant or an exclamation specific and attributed publicly to myself,” said Atwoli in his application.
Anyone who wishes to challenge his application has until December 29, 2021.
The slogan originated from an interview where he was talking about Kenya’s upcoming general elections.
“I told you Jeff, I don’t know who is going to be the President but I know who is not going to be the President, Alaa Alaa Alaa,” he said.
Since then, that particular video clip caused a buzz on social media with memes circulating online. A couple of weeks after the viral slogan, a video clip of Atwoli urging Netizens to move on emerged.
In the clip, Atwoli was captured introducing a new phrase.
“Alaa sasa imekwisha, ile iliyoko sasa ni USISEME, na sisemi mimi! (Alaa has now come to an end, the next viral meme is Husiseme) stated Atwoli.
According to KIPI, a trademark is a sign which serves to distinguish goods of an industrial or a commercial enterprise or a group of such enterprises. The sign may consist of one or more distinctive works, letters, numbers, drawings or pictures, monograms, signatures, colours or a combination of colours.
It can be a word, a symbol, a design, or a combination of these, used to distinguish the goods or services of one person or organization from those of others in the marketplace.
WHY REGISTER A TRADEMARK?
KIPI adds that registration of a trademark is direct evidence of exclusive ownership in Kenya and helps keep off potential infringers who would be attempted to ride on the goodwill of your mark. It enables you to more easily protect your rights more easily in case someone challenged them since the burden is on the challenger to prove any rights in a dispute.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary General Francis Atwoli will seek re-election for a record fifth term after the state directed all trade unions in the country to carry out elections. Atwoli will retain his seat with his allies also expected to win plum positions through a power sharing formula which has been the norm at the organization.
“I would like to remind all trade unions, employers’ organisations and federations that the last elections were held in the year 2016 and the next elections are the due next year 2021,” states the circular read in part.
Atwoli was elected to the powerful credentials committee in 2018 to supervise and manage the election of the International Trade Union Confederation two years after won his fourth five-year term.
COTU boss Francis Atwoli after meeting Luhya leaders in his Kajiado home [p/courtesy]So far no opponent has emerged to challenge Atwoli who is desperate to win another term and complete unfinished projects including the construction of Tom Mboya Labour College.
The outspoken COTU boss Atwoli solicited funds through his international networks to refurbish the college to a state of art institution earning him an endorsement by a section of the delegates and Kenya Plantation Workers Union during elections held at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.
Atwoli who considers himself a power broker is also active in national politics where he has been drumming support for Luhya unity ahead of the 2022 general elections. He also hosted a meeting of Luhya leaders where Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi was installed as Mulembe nation’s kingpin.
COTU was founded in 1965 after the Kenya Federation of Labour and the African Workers’ Congress were dissolved but analysts argue that Atwoli’s close relationship with the deep state will make it impossible for any candidate to challenge or defeat him in the polls.
The authoritative trade unionist enjoys powerful connections within local and international trade unions and fighting him ends in futility like when DP William Ruto tried to sponsor a splinter union after Jubilee ascended to power. Ruto failed terribly.
