Central Organization for Trade Union (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has urged President William Ruto to remain steadfast and disregard the criticism directed at his administration.
The veteran unionist made the remarks during the 60th anniversary of Labour Day celebrations in Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Atwoli, while referencing the ongoing criticism of the Ruto administration and specifically the ‘Ruto Must Go’ chants, noted that the criticisms are peddled by people whose sole purpose is to intimidate the president.
Atwoli reassured the president that all the past regimes had their own turbulent times but successfully weathered the storm.
“Mr. President usitishike. Iko watu wanapenda vitisho sana. Hawa wakenya Unaskia eti ground ni mbaya eti, hapa ground apana mzuri, eti RutoMust Go. Sio ground ndoi mbaya. Ni hao hawana ground. Wacha tuache Ruto amalize term yake,“ Atwoli stated.
“Do not be intimidated by these people who are keen to trade threats and intimidation. Those Kenyans you hear saying things are not good. That Ruto Must Go. It is not the ground that it is not good. Let’s leave Ruto to finish his term.”
The COTU supremo also revisited his calls to have the social media space in Kenya regulated.
He further emphasised COTU’s neutral stance on political matters, asserting that the umbrella body remains committed to supporting the government as a way of fostering economic stability.
“COTU is not a political party, and we are not aspiring to have a president. We serve the government of the day and negotiate for workers’ rights. We must support the government of the day to ensure national stability, which will in turn lead to industrial stability. Let the president work; if there are issues to be addressed, like corruption and incompetence in the public service, we will expose it,” Atwoli stated.
Atwoli also spoke on the mounting calls to vacate the office he has held for 24 years.
Atwoli, who looks certain to be elected in the coming Cotu polls for a sixth term, spoke highly of his longevity at the helm of the union.
“We are celebrating our 60th anniversary. We have been around for 60 years. I have been around as the leader of the labour movement in this country for 24 years,” Atwoli stated.
“I mentioned that you are my last president to serve. I have served all the presidents of the Republic of Kenya.
“I also assured stewards here that I am contemplating exiting, but because we have democracy, and there are people who are watching what we are doing and whether we are responsive to the people’s needs or not. Our executive board met and had other resolutions. They have demonstrated confidence in my leadership,” Atwoli noted.