NAIROBI, Kenya – Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has hinted that he might be considering retirement after leading the country’s labour movement for 24 years.
Speaking during the 2025 Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, the 75-year-old union leader acknowledged his long tenure, which has seen him serve under four presidents: Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and William Ruto.
“COTU has been around for 60 years, and in these 60 years, I have led the labour movement in this country for 24 years. Recently, in Nyanza, I mentioned that you (Ruto) would be my last president. I am contemplating exiting the service, having served all the presidents of Kenya,” Atwoli said.
Despite hinting at his possible retirement, Atwoli clarified that he could seek another term after being endorsed by COTU’s executive board on April 29, 2025.
“I respect democracy. A section of my executive board met and passed a resolution expressing their confidence in me. I want to assure them we are democratic, free, and independent, and they will make a decision we will respect,” he said.
“As you see me here, I am contemplating to exit…” Francis Atwoli, Secretary General COTU, addresses President Ruto as the last President he will serve as COTU SG #LabourDay2025 @LuLuHassan
The executive board of COTU has shown strong support for Atwoli, reaffirming their desire for him to continue leading the organization.
Moss Ndiema, the Secretary-General of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, emphasized that the board’s endorsement is based on Atwoli’s extensive experience and leadership in the labour movement.
“It is our choice, it is our decision, and it is the Kenyan workers’ voice that we still want Francis Atwoli. It is purely democratic. There is nothing wrong. Nobody can fault our decisions on any grounds. We love him. He has experience, he has the knowledge, and he has what the Kenyan worker needs,” Ndiema stated.
The executive board further dismissed claims that Atwoli was preparing to step down, pointing out that his decades of service, both locally and internationally, have made him a central figure in shaping Kenya’s labour movement.
Atwoli’s leadership has been especially influential since 2001, with significant contributions to workers’ rights, both within Kenya and on the global stage.
While there have been some calls for new leadership within the union, the board remains steadfast in their support of Atwoli.
They praised his ability to address the needs of the Kenyan worker and voiced confidence that his leadership remains crucial for the union’s future.
“Atwoli said on April 18, he would issue a notice on the elections. As board members, we have already endorsed him. We have no other candidate among us,” one board member emphasized.
