‘Form Special Branch-Like Unit To Curb Social Media!’ – Atwoli Tells Ruto
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, has warned that if social media is not controlled, the country will face an unavoidable ‘third rebirth’.
Speaking during the COTU annual day prayer on Sunday, April 27, Atwoli emphasized the need to work together to safeguard the country.
He stressed that this will prevent the country from experiencing a ‘rebirth’ like the one that occurred during the 2007 post-election violence and the 2024 Generation Z protests.
According to Atwoli, ‘God is unlikely’ to save us from the third ‘rebirth’ unless we take proactive actions.
“We should protect this country. Every country goes through a rebirth. Kenya was almost going through a rebirth in 2007, but God saved us,” he said.
“During the Gen Z protests, we were going to witness another rebirth, and God saved us again, and I don’t think that he will do it the third time.”
I agree with the COTU boss, Bwana Francis Atwoli. The government must do something to regulate social media. We can't be so careless. While we are guaranteed freedom of expression, it is not absolute! We must exercise it with responsibility. pic.twitter.com/Hp47bUkH9y
— Lawrence Kitema (@lawrencekitema) April 27, 2025
According to Atwoli, the government should follow the lead of other countries, such as China and the United Arab Emirates, in regulating what is posted on social media platforms.
According to Atwoli, the country should create a ‘special branch’ to monitor and control the whole media ecosystem in the country.
“We can’t have such a society, and if you look at the young people on social media, they have never worked anywhere and they are not members of any trade union,” he said.
“You will just see them commenting and opposing the government through comments, which is causing incitement.”
Even in Dubai, platforms like WhatsApp are regulated, and the media is controlled. Many of the people on social media have never worked anywhere or been part of any union – Francis Atwoli pic.twitter.com/YgYWlO7dtP
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) April 27, 2025
In a strong tone, Atwoli stated that social media will play a significant role in preventing the country from achieving its economic, social, and political objectives.
Furthermore, Atwoli has stated that the church should be at the forefront of opposing the inappropriate use of social media in order to protect the people, particularly the younger generations.
“The church must speak about TikTok and other social media platforms; they must take the lead to ensure that children don’t end up consuming inappropriate things from these platforms,” he said.
ALSO READ:
- Kirinyaga Women Rep Blocked From Accessing School Despite Lobbying Its Construction
- Kenya, Türkiye Sign Defence Pact Months After Drone Acquisition
- KUCCPS Announces Portal Opening Date As Application Window Closes
- Atwoli Hits Back At Gachagua Over Parallel Trade Union Proposal
- EXPLAINER: New Changes For National Schools Enrollment
Atwoli’s comments come weeks after those made by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura during an interview with NTV on Monday, April 7.
Mwaura alleged that unknown individuals are using social media platforms, especially TikTok, to fabricate military takeovers on the continent.
According to Mwaura, individuals are ‘deliberately’ criticising presidents by projecting them as ‘dishonest’ and ‘old’ and then glorifying other military leaders.
“If you look at TikTok, there seems to be a very silent operation promoting the military takeover, and some people have criticised me in the past for claiming that there is external interference in how people tend to make their decisions,” he said.
‘Form Special Branch-Like Unit To Curb Social Media!’ – Atwoli Tells Ruto
