COTU — Central Organisation of Trade Unions led by Secretary General Francis Atwoli, advocating for workers' wage increases and engaging in political discourse around 2026-2027 elections.
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
The Standard
The 61st Labour Day celebrations preceded over by President William Ruto was characterised by political mobilisation as COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli dropped the push for workers welfare and turned the fete into a political rally in support of Ruto’s 2027 re-election. …
Shame of turning national holiday into campaign rallyThe Standard
The 61st Labour Day celebrations preceded over by President William Ruto was characterised by political mobilisation as COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli dropped the push for workers welfare and turned the fete into a political rally in support of Ruto’s 2027 re-election. …
'Tutam': The shame of turning national holiday into campaign rallyCitizen Digital
… COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli praised the President’s development agenda, saying: “I thank you, your excellency, for your boldness. …
'I will unite Kenya,' Ruto rallies workers for 2027 re-election bidCapital 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 Grants Wage Rise, Falls Short of Union DemandsCapital 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. …
Gachagua : Workers Have Nothing to Celebrate This Labour DayCapital 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 dailyOpposition leaders led by Edwin Sifuna, George Natembeya, James Orengo, Babu Owino, Godfrey Osotsi and Boni Khalwale campaigned in Trans Nzoia County, dismissing disunity claims and declaring their movement capable of denying President Ruto a second term in 2027.
26 July 2026 · Capital News →
Opposition leaders led by Edwin Sifuna, George Natembeya, James Orengo, Babu Owino, Godfrey Osotsi and Boni Khalwale campaigned in Trans Nzoia County, dismissing disunity claims and declaring their movement capable of denying President Ruto a second term in 2027.
26 July 2026 · Capital News →
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has publicly rejected COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli's offer to raise Sh1 billion for his campaign, saying he prefers a campaign financed by ordinary Kenyans rather than relying on wealthy benefactors. Sifuna said he would encourage supporters to make small donations through his Paybill account instead.
21 July 2026 · Capital News →
A guest opinion piece argues that Francis Atwoli, COTU Secretary-General, should step back from his role in Western Kenya politics, noting that while his influence as a trade unionist has been significant, leadership should be understood as stewardship rather than permanent tenure.
14 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli claimed at a church event in Kakamega County that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is secretly bankrolling Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi team, warning that Sifuna cannot reach the presidency through such support.
13 July 2026 · The Standard →
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission says it will monitor political leaders and periodically release lists of those engaging in hate speech and divisive rhetoric. NCIC chairperson Kepha Omae warned that the law will be applied regardless of political affiliation.
28 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
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 →