In 2019, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) warned of a potential nationwide strike if the Kenyan government did not release detained leaders of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) from Industrial Area Prison.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli criticized the detentions as unconstitutional and lacking proper justification, stating union officials were denied access to labor relations courts to defend themselves. 'We will consult our national executive committee next week and are prepared to strike. The government must release our colleagues immediately and unconditionally,' he said.
Atwoli also called for the dismissal of Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia and Labor Minister Ukur Yatani, accusing them of failing to address the crisis despite a seven-day strike notice. 'The president should first fire Macharia and Yatani for neglecting to engage union representatives,' he argued.
KAWU members, facing criminal charges, were scheduled to appear in court on Friday. The union opposed the proposed merger of the Kenya Airports Authority and Kenya Airways, fearing it would lead to significant job losses.
