Atwoli Defends COTU Record, Says Kenyans Will Miss Him If He Exits

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, has defended his leadership record, asserting that Kenyans will come to appreciate his contributions once he steps down from the post he has held since 2001.

Responding to criticism over his long tenure and perceived closeness to government, Atwoli,argued that public figures are often vilified during their time in office, only to be praised in retrospect.

“Atwoli, who has led COTU for over two decades, has recently faced pressure from Kenyans on social media calling for his resignation. He has also taken issue with journalists whom he claims fail to understand the evolution of trade unionism in Kenya.”

Drawing a comparison with Kenya’s former presidents, Atwoli said leaders such as Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta were all subjects of public ridicule during their terms but were later reimagined as visionary leaders.

“There was a tense, hostile, and combative relationship between trade unions, the government, and employers in the past,” Atwoli wrote. “Understandably, some journalists still romanticise this era when unions were militant, failing to acknowledge the evolution of modern-day trade unionism.”

“Kenyans often criticise their leaders while they are in power, only to praise them once they leave office. This has happened time and again, including with our past presidents.”

Atwoli also defended his working relationship with the state, saying it has helped modernise and strengthen the labour movement in Kenya. He cited the adoption of five progressive labour laws in 2007 as a landmark achievement during his tenure.

“In 2007, just six years into my leadership at COTU, Kenya enacted five sets of labour laws that replaced archaic legislation with worker-centric policies,” he stated. “These laws ushered in a new era of dialogue and industrial relations, where the role of workers was better recognised.”

He emphasized that these reforms were not handed over freely but were achieved through persistent lobbying, advocacy, and mobilisation by the union.

Atwoli further highlighted how modern trade unionism now encompasses broader issues, including social protection, globalisation, technology, gender equality, youth employment, and climate change.

“Today’s unions must address a wider range of challenges and adopt a more collaborative approach to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world,” he added.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.