NAIROBI, Kenya – A heated online exchange has erupted between the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General, Francis Atwoli and a prominent youth activist and columnist, Hanifa Adan.
The spat was ignited by Atwoli’s strong criticism of Hanifa’s views on leadership and Kenyan leaders’ prolonged stay in power.
In a post shared on his official X account, Atwoli took aim at Hanifa, dismissing her as a “Super-Young-Con-Woman,” accusing her of failing to account for millions of Kenyan shillings collected to support youth injured or killed during the June 25th protests.
Atwoli suggested that Hanifa lacked the credibility to lecture anyone on leadership, particularly the issue of long-tenured leadership, citing her alleged mishandling of public funds as evidence of her questionable integrity.
“How can Hanifa position herself as a credible voice on leadership when she failed so blatantly during the one critical moment when she was called upon to lead?” Atwoli wrote. “If given the opportunity to serve as COTU Secretary-General, she would scam Kenyan workers without a second thought.”
Atwoli continued his attack by defending his leadership and COTU’s youth representation.
He emphasized that over 80% of COTU’s workforce is under the age of 40, and he has ensured that young people have meaningful opportunities within the organization.
He also criticized Hanifa for what he described as the misuse of her platform to attack him instead of focusing on issues of accountability regarding her past.
“Instead of misusing her newspaper column, Hanifa should focus on accounting for the public funds entrusted to her,” Atwoli added.
I have read this article by the Super-Young-Con-Woman, @Honeyfarsafi, with considerable amusement.Hanifa should be the last person lecturing anyone on leadership or the occupation of leadership positions, given her track record that is riddled with integrity concerns.It is
Hanifa quickly responded with sharp retorts, accusing Atwoli of being “triggered” by her article and dismissing his claims as a personal attack.
“The old pregnant man has finally been triggered!!!” she quipped, adding that Atwoli would eventually regret making the tweet.
She claimed that Atwoli was in no position to lecture her about integrity, boasting about her own transparency in handling the Ksh. 31 million allocated to her during her previous role.
“I accounted for the 31 million public money that I was in charge of,” Hanifa stated in her reply. “Something none of you simpletons in power have ever done.”
She also went on to accuse Atwoli of being involved in the 2015 assassination of George Muchai, former Kabete Member of Parliament and union leader, asking, “Why did you kill George Muchai and why did you get away with it?”
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 the old pregnant man has finally been triggered!!! Welcome on board. I have waited for you for years. Great to have you Atwoli!!! Now I’ll start by saying that months from now, you’ll be sitting down regretting why you made this tweet. That is a promise I’m giving you
This exchange has generated widespread attention, with many Kenyans weighing in on the heated clash between the two figures, especially regarding their contrasting views on leadership and accountability.
Atwoli, who has held the position of COTU Secretary-General for over two decades, is a powerful voice in Kenyan labor unions, while Hanifa, a rising political figure, is known for her outspoken views on youth empowerment and governance.
