Also known as: Atwoli · COTU SG Francis Atwoli · COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli
Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General who called for wage increases and ILO treaty ratification during 2026 Labour Day celebrations.
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.
8 hours ago · 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.
8 hours ago · 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.
16 hours ago · 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.
20 hours ago · Capital News →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to move swiftly to curb escalating premature political rallies, warning that unchecked political activity could destabilise the country and hurt workers the most.
22 hours ago · Capital News →
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has pressured President William Ruto to accelerate ratification of ILO Conventions 189 and 190, which protect domestic workers and address workplace violence and harassment, noting that the President previously committed to advancing the ratification process during the 2025 Labour Day celebrations but little progress has been made.
22 hours ago · 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 →
Kenya's 61st Labour Day celebrations are being held at Friends School Chavakali High in Vihiga County, marking the first time the event has been hosted outside Nairobi. The gathering includes senior government officials and is organised around the theme "Strengthening Local Production and Protecting Workers' Rights."
1 May 2026 · The Standard →
Hundreds of Kenyan workers from parastatals, trade unions and companies streamed into Vihiga County for national Labour Day celebrations at Friends School Chavakali High School on Friday. Participants marched in organised groups wearing coordinated uniforms and carrying placards calling for improved working conditions and better remuneration.
1 May 2026 · The Standard →
Central Organisation of Trade Unions secretary-general Francis Atwoli used a Labour Day celebration to lead chants of "tutam" (we have power), turning the event into a political demonstration.
1 May 2026 · The Standard →