COTU — Central Organisation of Trade Unions representing workers' interests in Kenya, led by Secretary General Francis Atwoli amid 2026 Labour Day wage negotiations.
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Capital News
… COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli said over the weekend that unions are pushing for the pay rise to cushion workers against the rising fuel prices, the cost of transport, food and other basic goods. …
Ruto to lead Labour Day celebrations in VihigaThe Standard
President Ruto and COTU SG Francis Atwoli during Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens. …
Behind the celebrations, workers juggle debt, bills and survival dailyAn opinion piece argues that Kenya's progress requires citizens to abandon tribalism, corruption and bribery, and embrace habits of honesty and fairness taught across families, schools and religious institutions.
22 June 2026 · The Standard →
An opinion piece argues that Kenya's progress requires citizens to abandon tribalism, corruption and bribery, and embrace habits of honesty and fairness taught across families, schools and religious institutions.
22 June 2026 · The Standard →
Eight suspects have been arrested and charged following destruction and looting in Kagio town, Kirinyaga County, during a strike called by matatu operators over a fuel price increase. Police say they are pursuing more suspects and recovering stolen items.
23 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has attacked Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua for promoting tribal politics and risking national polarization, saying Gachagua lacks the capacity to unseat President William Ruto at the ballot. Atwoli also defended the broad-based government and criticized the opposition as lacking the ideals to challenge Ruto in 2027.
10 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Opposition DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua launched an attack on President Ruto's economic and labour policies, accusing the government of "raiding" payslips and calling for an alternative workers' organisation to rival COTU. Gachagua claimed the economy has slowed from 7.6 per cent growth in 2021 to 4.6 per cent and criticized COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli for abandoning workers and aligning with the government.
5 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →
An opinion piece argues that President Ruto's political advisors, including PCS Mudavadi and Speaker Wetang'ula, are not being honest with him about Western region politics, a situation the columnist warns could ultimately undermine his leadership.
5 May 2026 · The Standard →
President William Ruto's 61st Labour Day celebration was characterised by political mobilisation, with COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli prioritising support for Ruto's 2027 re-election over workers' welfare, while Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called on the region to boost voter registration for a "tu-tam" victory for the President.
2 May 2026 · The Standard →
The 61st Labour Day celebrations presided over by President William Ruto were criticised for prioritising political mobilisation over workers' welfare, with COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi using the event to campaign for Ruto's 2027 re-election.
2 May 2026 · The Standard →
President William Ruto addressed Kenyan workers during Labour Day celebrations, calling for support for his second presidential bid and pledging to unite the country. He accused the opposition of fuelling division while political leaders endorsed his re-election campaign.
1 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →
President William Ruto has announced a 12 percent increase in general wages and a 15 percent rise in agricultural wages to cushion workers against the rising cost of living. The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called for at least a 23 percent minimum wage increase, citing previous increases of 22, 18, and 14 percent under former President Kibaki.
1 May 2026 · Capital News →
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized the government in a Labour Day statement, saying Kenyan workers have little to celebrate amid shrinking incomes, rising taxes, and economic deterioration. Gachagua positioned himself as an ally of workers facing heavy taxation, stagnant wages, and rising cost of living, linking their plight to the 2027 General Election.
1 May 2026 · Capital News →
President William Ruto will lead the nation in marking Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County, with the government and stakeholders having completed logistical arrangements. Labour union leaders are pushing for wage increases to help workers cope with rising fuel and food prices.
1 May 2026 · Capital News →
Labour Day ceremonies celebrate the dignity of work and honour workers, but many struggle daily with debt, bills, and survival, revealing a gap between official celebration and workers' lived reality.
1 May 2026 · The Standard →