COTU’s Francis Atwoli Announces When He Will Retire
Francis Atwoli, Secretary General (SG) of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), has stated that he intends to resign when President William Ruto’s mandate ends.
Atwoli claimed that he had served under all Kenyan presidents, but Ruto’s reign may be the last.
He was speaking at the burial of George Oduor, Raila Odinga’s bodyguard and assistant, on Saturday.
“I have had the opportunity to serve all the presidents of Kenya since independence,” Atwoli stated.
“I served Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Arap Moi—who was our president for 24 years—Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and now you, President William Ruto.”
He added: “And maybe your government will be the last I serve in as COTU SG before I retire back to Khwisero.”
Ruto's government might be the last one I serve – Francis Atwoli. pic.twitter.com/sMrJASg6oH
— NairobiLeo.co.ke (@Nairobi_Leo) April 12, 2025
Atwoli’s tenure at COTU has sparked public controversy, with many Kenyans questioning how long he plans to stay in office.
Atwoli has been the COTU Secretary-General for more than two decades.
He took up the job in August 2001 and has since been engaged in the labour movement, where he has been re-elected several times.
Over the years, Atwoli has been a prominent advocate for workers’ rights, social fairness, and economic progress.
Former Makueni County Governor Kivutha Kibwana is among those who have questioned Atwoli’s protracted tenure in government.
Kibwana, after congratulating Atwoli on the birth of his latest child, challenged him to contemplate retirement.
“I heartily congratulate the COTU Secretary-General, Francis Atwoli, and his family on the new addition to their family,” Kibwana wrote.
“COTU Kenya should grant their Secretary-General a well-deserved paternity leave, during which they can also discuss: Should COTU and trade union leadership be a lifetime tenure?”
Responding to the former governor’s calls, Atwoli stated that he was dedicated to his business and that his abilities were still in high demand in the country.
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He also compared his stint as COTU Secretary-General to that of the Pope, highlighting the time and dedication required for such a position.
He felt that his experience and wisdom were critical to effectively advocating for workers’ rights.
“Serving as the SG COTU (K) is a calling. It is akin to a Catholic Priest rising the ranks to become a Pope in the Vatican. Our terms and conditions of serve are pegged on the calling by God,” Atwoli alleged.
“And so long as I am still having the ability to serve and my colleagues are still enjoying my service they will continue to elect me until that time when they think otherwise.”
COTU’s Francis Atwoli Announces When He Will Retire
