The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Executive Committee has officially endorsed long-serving Secretary-General Francis Atwoli for another term, reinforcing his 24-year leadership at the helm of Kenya’s most powerful workers’ union.
The endorsement, announced following a meeting of the executive board, signals continued confidence in Atwoli’s leadership and experience, despite public speculation about his possible retirement at age 74.
“It is our choice, it is our decision, and it is the Kenyan workers’ voice that we still want Francis Atwoli,” declared Kenya Aviation Workers Union Secretary-General Moss Ndiema. “He has experience, knowledge, and the capacity to champion the rights of workers.”
Ndiema dismissed calls for new leadership, emphasizing Atwoli’s unmatched expertise in labour issues both locally and internationally since 2001, and called the endorsement a reflection of democratic choice within the union.
The committee also welcomed Atwoli’s recent announcement regarding the forthcoming union elections. On April 18, Atwoli pledged to issue a formal notice of elections, further affirming his commitment to due process.
