Francis Atwoli Hints at Retirement After Serving COTU for Over 2 Decades: "Contemplating"
- Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary-general Francis Atwoli has been a labour leader in Kenya for 24 years
- The trade unionist expressed his pleasure at serving four presidents, including the late Daniel Arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki
- The 75-year-old was endorsed by the COTU board to seek re-election again in the 2026 polls, and noted he would respect their decision
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Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary-general Francis Atwoli has hinted at retirement after working as a trade unionist for decades.
Source: Twitter
Speaking during the 2025 Labour Day celebration at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on Thursday, May 1, the 75-year-old acknowledged that he had served long enough, having been at the helm of COTU leadership for 24 years.
Atwoli noted that he had served four presidents, Daniel Arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and now, William Ruto.
"COTU has been around for 60 years, and in these 60 years, I have been around as the leader of the labour movement in this country for 24 years. And recently in Nyanza, I did mention that you (Ruto) will be my last president. I am contemplating exiting the service, having served all the presidents of Kenya," he stated.
Will Atwoli seek another term?
However, Atwoli reiterated he could seek another term after he was endorsed by COTU's board members.
"I respect democracy. A section of my executive board met and made another resolution and expressed their confidence in me. I want to assure them we are democratic, we are free and independent, and they will make a decision that we will respect," he asserted.
Source: Twitter
The SG said he will defend his seat in the 2026 elections to extend his tenure.
The board members urged anyone with a bad intention to undermine the organisation to back off, stating that Atwoli was still qualified to serve as COTU's secretary-general.
According to them, the COTU election process is governed by law and doesn't begin until the Ministry of Labour has released an event calendar.
If he runs again and wins the seat the next year, he will have worked for the umbrella workers' organisation for three decades.
Why Atwoli is under pressure
Many Kenyans have questioned how long Atwoli plans to stay in office, and his term at COTU has been a topic of public discussion.
Since taking over in August 2001, he has been involved in the labour movement and has been re-elected on several occasions.
He has been fighting for workers' rights and does not shy away from speaking his mind, but a section of Kenyans has been demanding fresh blood.
What does Atwoli own?
Atwoli previously displayed his ranch in Nakuru as he posted photos of himself taking care of his cows on the farm.
He also flaunted his multimillion-shilling Ildamat mansion in Kajiado county.
He has hosted top political figures, including former prime minister Raila Odinga, at the residence.
The trade unionist's rural mansion is located in Khwisero, Kakamega county.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
