The Secretary General of Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), Francis Atwoli, has dismissed reports that several court cases have been filed to challenge the union’s recent elections.
In a statement on Thursday, Atwoli said only three petitions have been filed, contrary to claims that there are seven.
According to him, the cases are before courts in Nairobi and Kerugoya.
“We, therefore, strongly condemn the reporting by some media houses, which have falsely alleged that there are seven (7) cases filed against COTU (K),” Atwoli said.
He called the petition baseless and claimed they were filed by people who are not members of any trade union.
He urged union members not to be worried by the cases or what he described as misleading information.
“We wish to call upon Kenyan workers who are members of COTU (K) not to be disturbed… as these petitions will not stop COTU (K) from serving the interests of our members,” he added.
The long-serving union boss also took issue with how some media houses have reported recent court decisions linked to the matter. He said the rulings had been misrepresented.
Courts have so far declined to stop the registration of the newly elected COTU officials. The Employment and Labour Relations Court did not grant orders that were being sought, while a case filed in Kerugoya was moved to Nairobi after the court said it had no jurisdiction.
Atwoli said the union leadership remains focused, adding that its operations have not been affected.
“We wish to note that the Secretary General of COTU (K) is currently in Geneva, unperturbed, attending the ILO Governing Body Meeting… all affiliates of COTU (K) are unbothered by the petitions,” the statement read.
Atwoli was recently re-elected unopposed during COTU’s 15th delegates conference held at the Tom Mboya Labour College. He has been in power since 2001, and his latest win marks the start of another term in office.
While welcoming his re-election earlier, Atwoli said the process was free from political interference.
“I want to thank the Kenyan government and other political parties in this country for non-interference with the elections. This movement regulates itself, and that is a sign of respect for a free and independent labour movement,” he said.