Central Organization of Trade Unions — Kenya's labour umbrella organization led by Secretary General Francis Atwoli, recently defending worker unity against rival union proposals.
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The Standard
Audio By VocalizeThe Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) has dismissed calls by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to form a parallel labour organisation, terming the proposal “reckless” and detrimental to workers’ unity. …
COTU dismisses Gachagua's push for rival labour bodyThe Standard
… contradictions within government over economic figures. “A department in his own government has released figures, and he is saying those numbers are lying,” Gachagua added.Gachagua also turned his criticism on the labour movement, accusing the Central Organization of Trade Unions …
Gachagua slams Ruto's economic policiesCapital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 30 — Preparations for this year’s Labour Day celebrations are complete, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has announced. …
Atwoli says all is set for Labour Day fete in VihigaThe Central Organization of Trade Unions has refuted allegations that it interfered in the internal leadership affairs of KUDHEIHA, with Secretary-General Francis Atwoli calling such claims misleading and calculated to divert attention from constitutional breaches. The dispute follows union elections held on October 6, 2026.
9 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The Central Organization of Trade Unions has refuted allegations that it interfered in the internal leadership affairs of KUDHEIHA, with Secretary-General Francis Atwoli calling such claims misleading and calculated to divert attention from constitutional breaches. The dispute follows union elections held on October 6, 2026.
9 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli told Citizen TV that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's presidential ambitions are premature, arguing that he must go through stages and gain broader experience before leading Kenya.
20 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli told Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna that his time to seek the presidency has not yet arrived, saying he is not adequately prepared for a national campaign and should focus on building his political team first.
5 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has cautioned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over unsubstantiated claims regarding the IEBC's procurement of the Integrated Elections Management System, saying such attacks risk destabilising the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.
27 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of trying to divide the Western region by backing Linda Mwananchi leader Edwin Sifuna for president in 2027, comparing it to Uhuru's failed effort to make Raila Odinga president in 2022. Atwoli urged the Mulembe community to remain united and vigilant against manipulation.
25 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has warned that security officers and government officials risk being fired for leaking confidential government information to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing Gachagua of misusing such intelligence.
10 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna received contributions from Kiminini residents in Trans-Nzoia during a stopover for the Linda Mwananchi caravan, gathering both notes and coins from the crowd to fund travel to Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kitale.
26 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has publicly rejected COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli's offer to fundraise Ksh.1 billion for his political campaign, saying he prefers small contributions from millions of Kenyans to avoid creating opportunities for corruption.
21 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has warned Western Kenya politicians against associating with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, claiming Uhuru failed to fully support Azimio flagbearer Raila Odinga in the 2022 presidential race. Atwoli alleged that Uhuru promised but never delivered Ksh.400 million for polling agents, resulting in Odinga's campaign lacking agents at polling stations.
30 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The Central Organization of Trade Unions has condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for what it describes as unwarranted attacks on Kenya's labour movement, accusing him of targeting COTU leadership and affiliated unions in a manner that undermines worker representation and national unity. COTU defended its Secretary General Francis Atwoli and dismissed proposals to form an alternative labour umbrella organization, emphasizing that trade unions are historically grounded institutions.
6 May 2026 · Capital News →
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) has dismissed calls by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to form a parallel labour organisation, describing the proposal as "reckless" and detrimental to workers' unity. Gachagua accused the labour movement of failing to defend workers' interests and specifically criticised union leader Francis Atwoli for aligning with the government instead of championing workers' welfare.
6 May 2026 · The Standard →
Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has intensified criticism of President William Ruto, accusing the government of presiding over a struggling economy where growth has slowed from 7.6 per cent in 2021 to 4.6 per cent. Gachagua also alleged that officials releasing unfavourable economic data risk disciplinary action and criticised labour unions for failing to defend workers' interests against excessive statutory deductions.
5 May 2026 · The Standard →
The Central Organization of Trade Unions has announced that preparations for Labour Day celebrations, scheduled to take place in Vihiga, are complete. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli said the event, which will feature workers' assemblies and floats from factories and unions across the region, marks the first time Labour Day is being held outside the capital city.
30 April 2026 · Capital News →