A couple of Central Organization for Trade Union (COTU) officials have waded into the debate of Francis Atwoli’s tenure at the helm of the union body, even as a further term looks imminent.
Speaking at separate events on Thursday, May 1, 2025, COTU’s first Assistant Secretary General, Ernest Nadome and Albert Njeru, the Secretary General for KUDHEIHA, both restated that the decision on COTU leadership will be made by delegates and not individuals.
Nadome, while acknowledging Atwoli’s long-serving tenure in the role, stated that delegates will make the call during the incoming elections slated for 2026.
“It is his (Atwoli) democratic right to say that he might be leaving. The most important thing is that these decisions are not always made by individuals but by the people that you represent. He has been on record that he has been here for some time.
“Of course, we are going for the trade union in the elections in 2026, with Atwoli hinting at his exit. It will be upon the delegates to make the decision of accepting his decision to throw in the towel or not, and Francis himself as a person,” he added.
Meanwhile, Albert Njeru hinted at the incumbent for the elections, stating that the long-serving supremo has been serving the purpose at the helm of the Union.
Njeru recounted Atwoli’s fast rise from the sidelines of the Plantation Workers Union to the centre-stage of COTU’s leadership
“All officials are elected, and those not serving well are not re-elected. The same applies to trade unionists. Atwoli has been serving the purpose we elected him for. We as the electorate, feel we will elect him in the coming 2026. He is well-connected as International Labour Organization (ILO) Deputy Vice President and also boasts vast experience, “Njeru stated during an interview with a local TV station.
Atwoli’s leadership at COTU began in August 2001, making him the longest-serving trade unionist in the country. His tenure, however, has sparked frequent public debate, with many Kenyans questioning how long he plans to remain in office.
He has served COTU as secretary general for 23 years, since he was first elected in 2001.
In 2021, he was re-elected unopposed for a 5th term as COTU Secretary General in an exercise held by delegates at Tom Mboya Labour College, Kisumu.
In his role as a representative of Kenyan workers, Atwoli has continued championing social justice by advocating decent work, accountable governments, and better policies for workers.
Prospects of a sixth term for the mainstay official look certain if words from the various bodies under the umbrella organisation are anything to go by.
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, members of the COTU’s Executive Committee dismissed claims that Atwoli will be calling it time at the helm of the union, clarifying on a past remark made by the 74-year-old boss.
Led by Moss Ndiema, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and Isaac Andabwa from the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union, the officials unanimously endorsed Atwoli to continue championing the rights of the workers’ union in the country.
The outspoken Atwoli has in the past dismissed calls for his retirement, stating that it’s not up to him to decide when to retire.
“Are you serving the people who gave you that mandate? That is the question. It is not me to retire; it’s them to say,” Atwoli said.