The long-standing reign of Francis Atwoli at the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) is now facing its biggest storm yet.
Furious union members from Naivasha, under the Kenya Plantations and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU), have issued a clear ultimatum: Atwoli must resign or face a mass exodus.
With Atwoli clinging to power since 2001, critics accuse him of betraying workers by cozying up to political elites while ignoring the real struggles of low wages and harsh working conditions.
The growing unrest signals a turning point for Atwoli’s long stay at COTU, as grassroots pressure mounts to break decades of what many see as stale and disconnected leadership.
Workers Accuse Atwoli COTU Leadership of Betrayal
Tension is at an all-time high within COTU as union members voice their frustrations openly. The recent protest in Naivasha saw hundreds of KPAWU members take to the streets, demanding that Francis Atwoli step down as Secretary-General.
Many accused Atwoli of being out of touch, selfish, and more interested in political allegiances than in fighting for the rights of workers.
“The time has come for Atwoli to go home, and he must go,” declared Elias Walekhwa, KPAWU Naivasha Branch Chairman. “The other day he alleged that if he retires, we were going to suffer. Let him know, it is not us who will suffer, but those at the top who benefit from him.”
The workers criticized Atwoli for failing to deliver better wages or improved working conditions over his 24 years in office. They further claimed that COTU, under Atwoli’s leadership, has turned into a money machine, more focused on collecting workers’ monthly contributions than on resolving the everyday challenges faced by members.
Growing Pressure from Grassroots Unions
The latest revolt by KPAWU members is not an isolated incident. Discontent has been brewing for years, with many smaller unions feeling sidelined by COTU’s leadership. This time, the Naivasha branch has issued a direct threat: if their concerns are not addressed within 21 days, they will lead their members out of COTU.
“If we decide to shut the source of the money he is walking around with, we shall do it,” warned members during the protest. “Let him not underrate these small unions, or else, we will influence all our members and give direction to walk out of COTU.”
The workers allege that Atwoli is surrounded by advisors who mislead him into believing that COTU is thriving. In reality, they say, the union has lost touch with grassroots members and has failed to represent the interests of the ordinary worker.
Adding fuel to the fire, the protestors highlighted a worrying trend within COTU’s leadership—ageing leaders who have refused to make room for younger voices. KPAWU members openly challenged the union’s top brass, many of whom are over 70 years old, to retire and allow a new generation of leaders to take over.
Atwoli Defiant Despite Mounting Criticism on His Long Stay at COTU
Despite the backlash, Francis Atwoli remains defiant. During the recent Labour Day celebrations, he hinted at the possibility of retiring but quickly backtracked, stating that COTU’s board had endorsed him for another term and that he would respect their decision.
This move further angered the protesting workers, who see the endorsement as a rubber stamp by loyalists rather than a reflection of the broader membership’s wishes.
The calls for Atwoli’s resignation have also gained traction beyond Naivasha. The Federation of Kenyan Employers (FKE) recently criticized Atwoli for sidelining them during Labour Day celebrations, accusing him of neglecting important stakeholders.
This shows that frustrations with Atwoli’s leadership are not limited to union members alone but also extend to other key players in Kenya’s labour sector.
As the 21-day ultimatum ticks down, all eyes are on Atwoli COTU and whether the embattled Secretary-General will address the grievances or risk losing a significant chunk of his membership base.
Conclusion
The storm brewing within COTU is a stark reminder that no leader is invincible. After more than two decades at the helm, Francis Atwoli’s grip on power is facing a serious test.
The bold stand by KPAWU members from Naivasha signals a shift in how workers view their leadership—and it may just be the spark that ignites broader change. Whether Atwoli steps down or digs in, one thing is clear: the call for fresh, responsive leadership in COTU is growing louder by the day.
