Francis Atwoli Praises Ruto's Leadership, Asks Him to Ignore Critics: "Hawana Ground"
- COTU boss Francis Atwoli has thrown his weight behind President William Ruto, urging him to ignore critics and focus on delivering for Kenyans
- Atwoli praised Ruto’s visible leadership and dismissed chants like “Ruto Must Go” as noise from those with no support
- He compared Ruto’s critics to those who opposed past presidents, including Moi, Kibaki, and Uhuru, arguing that strong opposition has always been part of Kenya
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary general Francis Atwoli has come out strongly in support of President William Ruto's administration.
Source: Twitter
The veteran trade unionist urged Ruto to stay the course and ignore critics who he said have no real connection with the common mwananchi.
During the 2025 Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Atwoli delivered a spirited speech that both praised the president’s visible leadership and dismissed ongoing opposition.
Addressing a packed crowd of workers, government officials, union leaders and members of the public, Atwoli reminded Kenyans of the country’s tumultuous political history.
He insisted that every president faced very fierce opposition, regardless of their accomplishments.
"Mr. President, don’t be intimidated… there are people who love to make threats all the time. I was here when Kenyatta was president, and Jaramogi left, there were a lot of problems. I was here when Moi was president; there were many challenges, as you all know. Even when he was leaving in 2002, people were singing “yote yawezekana bila Moi” (everything is possible without Moi)," Atwoli said.
What is Atwoli's advice to William Ruto?
According to Atwoli, Kenya’s political culture has long tolerated and even encouraged vocal opposition, often with little regard for the achievements made by sitting leaders.
He pointed to former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta as examples of leaders who faced mounting criticism despite delivering key development projects.
"I was here when Kibaki was president, he improved transport in Nairobi and did many good things, but in 2007, these very citizens voted him out, and we had to do some patching up," Atwoli said, adding that it is nothing new.
He also highlighted the difference in visibility between Uhuru and Ruto, saying the current head of state has maintained a strong presence across the country, unlike his predecessor.
Source: Facebook
In a direct address to Ruto, Atwoli offered firm encouragement, asking him to stand his ground and not be intimidated.
"These Kenyans you're hearing saying “the ground is hostile”, “Ruto Must Go”… it’s not that the ground is hostile, it's them who have no ground. Let’s allow a person to finish their work. You just do your job, and if there are any mistakes, we’ll tell you. But don’t be intimidated," Atwoli added.
How should Ruto deal with online criticism?
Earlier, Atwoli urged Ruto to regulate social media in Kenya, expressing concern that online platforms are being used to spread hate and incite unrest under the guise of activism.
He warned that if left unchecked, this could destabilise the country.
Atwoli cited examples of countries like China, the UAE, the UK, and the USA, where social media is regulated, suggesting Kenya should follow suit.
He emphasised the need for patriotism, stating that Kenyans must protect their nation from online threats.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
