Ruto Raises Minimum Wage By 12% As Atwoli Blasts Opposition Over ‘Early Campaigns’
President William Ruto has announced a 12per cent increase in minimum wages for Kenyan workers and a 15 per cent pay rise for agricultural workers.
Ruto made the announcement during Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga county.
The President announced that his administration has raised workers’ salaries following a request by workers through the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU).
Labour day: President Ruto announces 12pc and 15pc increase in general and agricultural wages, respectively; Cotu had pushed for 23pc minimum wage increment. pic.twitter.com/0wRO1MBbTK
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) May 1, 2026
“I am pleased to announce a 12 per cent increase in general wages and a 15 per cent increase in agricultural wages to all Kenyan workers,” Ruto said.
The event, held in Vihiga county for the first time, attracted thousands of workers from across the country.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to take firm action against what he termed as premature political rallies.
He warned that workers will bear the greatest burden if political tensions escalate.
Speaking during Labour Day celebrations, Atwoli expressed concern over rising political activity in the country despite the absence of an official campaign period.
The COTU SG stated that the situation risks undermining national stability and economic progress.
“We are very much concerned about the ongoing political rallies in this Republic, as elections,” Atwoli said.
“We urge the IEBC to put a stop to this menace, and ask Kenyans to wait until the IEBC releases the campaign calendar for next year’s elections.”
He cautioned that unchecked political mobilisation and inflammatory rhetoric could fuel divisions that may later spill into instability.
According to him, such a scenario would have direct consequences on ordinary citizens, particularly workers, women, and children.
“At the end of the day, even if elections are carried out and whoever wins fairly, this polarisation might cause a problem in our country if we can’t put this on a stop,” he noted.
“In any country where we have political turmoil or strife, it is workers, women, and children who suffer.”
Atwoli emphasised that workers are the most vulnerable during periods of political unrest because they lack the means to shield themselves from economic shocks.
Atwoli Urges IEBC to Curb Early Campaigns! Francis Atwoli calls on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to halt premature campaigns, warning that political instability ultimately hurts workers and families. pic.twitter.com/kLvAAKvQlx
— Kawangware Finest ™ – Geoffrey Moturi (@cbs_ke) May 1, 2026
He warned that instability often disrupts livelihoods, slows down economic activity, and affects household incomes.
“Workers cannot run away,” he said, adding that leaders who incite division often do not remain in affected areas when crises occur.
“These ‘self-proclaimed’ leaders of the opposition, they will run away. You will not see them here. And they must be tamed by law,” Atwoli said.
He also urged IEBC and government institutions to enforce electoral regulations strictly.
He further called on authorities to ensure adherence to the official electoral timetable.
ALSO READ:
- Canadian Environmentalist Plants Over 40K Trees In New World Record In Mombasa
- Ruto Raises Minimum Wage By 12% As Atwoli Blasts Opposition Over ‘Early Campaigns’
- Morning Accident Leaves 4 Dead, Several Injured Along Bomet-Narok Highway
- Talanta Stadium To Host Surprise Barcelona, Liverpool Clash In Pre-Season
- KMTC Announces Special Courses For C- Students Ahead of May 6 Deadline
Atwoli insisted that Kenya is currently not in an electioneering period and should instead focus on development priorities.
“This is the work of IEBC and our government, to make sure that since we are not in an electioneering period,” he said.
Atwoli also linked political stability to economic performance, noting that Kenya’s ongoing infrastructure development and economic reforms could be undermined by unnecessary political agitation.
The COTU boss reiterated that protecting workers’ interests must remain central to national decision-making, urging political actors to exercise restraint and prioritise unity and development.
Atwoli Pushes for Workers’ Inclusion in Housing Projects!: Francis Atwoli urges William Ruto to ensure workers become co-owners in affordable housing schemes, citing reduced contribution rates and calling for greater inclusion in national housing initiatives pic.twitter.com/1Aj22tHktg
— Kawangware Finest ™ – Geoffrey Moturi (@cbs_ke) May 1, 2026
Atwoli also used the platform to highlight a range of labour and socio-economic issues beyond politics, outlining key priorities for workers in Kenya.
Ruto Raises Minimum Wage By 12% As Atwoli Blasts Opposition Over ‘Early Campaigns’
