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Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 16 June 2026
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Kenyan press · Person

Francis Atwoli

Also known as: COTU SG Francis Atwoli · COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli · COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli · COTU boss · Secretary General Francis Atwoli · Dr. Francis Atwoli

Francis Atwoli — COTU Secretary General who leads the labour movement and has endorsed President Ruto, amid 2026 criticism from opposition figures over labour policy alignment.

2026-04-272026-06-16
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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026

  2. Capital News

    … Francis Atwoli said the workers’ umbrella body had taken note of a recent Court of Appeal decision relating to the NSSF Act but maintained that the enhanced contribution rates remain valid and enforceable. …

    COTU: Workers Will Continue Paying Enhanced NSSF Contributions, despite court ruling
  3. May 2026

  4. Citizen Digital

    Atwoli blames Uhuru for Raila’s 2022 loss, says he never delivered Ksh.400M for agents By Citizen Reporter May 30, 2026 02:13 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize The Central Organization of Tr …

    Atwoli blames Uhuru for Raila’s 2022 loss, says he never delivered Ksh.400M for agents

  5. Citizen Digital

    … He warned against criticism directed at Atwoli, suggesting a close family connection between them. …

    George Wajackoyah reaffirms hemp agenda, says 'That Is Where the Money is'

  6. Citizen Digital

    … Business leaders, led by Emma Wambui, echoed the call for unity and vigilance. “Let’s be each other’s keeper and work together,” she said.Speaking in Ndia, Kirinyaga County, during the burial of Nelson Mwaniki, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli warned youth against being hire …

    Kirinyaga: Eight arrested over looting during matatu strike as police intensify crackdown

  7. Citizen Digital

    Atwoli hits out at Gachagua, says he has no record worth emulating By Allan Obiero May 10, 2026 03:36 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has hit out at D …

    Atwoli hits out at Gachagua, says he has no record worth emulating

  8. Citizen Digital

    COTU hits back at Gachagua over ‘reckless attacks’ on labour movement By Willy Lusige May 06, 2026 08:00 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli speaks during an interview on C …

    COTU hits back at Gachagua over ‘reckless attacks’ on labour movement

  9. Capital News

    … COTU mounted a firm defense of its Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, highlighting his history of arrests, harassment, and activism in defense of workers’ rights. …

    COTU Slams Gachagua Over “Reckless Attacks” on Trade Unions

  10. The Standard

    … In a statement posted on its official X platform, the union also criticised Gachagua’s recent attacks on its Secretary General Francis Atwoli, accusing the former deputy president of undermining established labour structures. …

    COTU dismisses Gachagua's push for rival labour body

  11. Citizen Digital

    Gachagua calls for new workers’ movement to rival COTU, slams Atwoli for 'selling out' workers By Citizen Reporter May 05, 2026 01:07 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize DCP party leader Rigat …

    Gachagua calls for new workers’ movement to rival COTU, slams Atwoli for 'selling out' workers

  12. The Standard

    … He singled out Secretary General Francis Atwoli, alleging he had aligned himself with the government. …

    Gachagua slams Ruto's economic policies
Society

COTU insists workers continue enhanced NSSF payments despite court ruling

The News

The Central Organization of Trade Unions has urged workers and employers to continue remitting enhanced NSSF contributions, saying the contribution framework under the NSSF Act, 2013 remains legally in force despite a recent Court of Appeal ruling that rejected the Fund's bid to suspend a judgment declaring the Act unconstitutional.

Why it matters

COTU insists workers continue enhanced NSSF payments despite court ruling declaring the Act unconstitutional, creating confusion on workers' obligations.

6 June 2026 · Capital News →

Saturday 6 June

  1. COTU insists workers continue enhanced NSSF payments despite court ruling

    The Central Organization of Trade Unions has urged workers and employers to continue remitting enhanced NSSF contributions, saying the contribution framework under the NSSF Act, 2013 remains legally in force despite a recent Court of Appeal ruling that rejected the Fund's bid to suspend a judgment declaring the Act unconstitutional.

    6 June 2026 · Capital News →

Saturday 30 May

  1. Atwoli accuses Uhuru of failing to support Raila in 2022

    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 →

Sunday 24 May

  1. Wajackoyah reaffirms hemp-based economic vision for Kenya

    Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah renewed his advocacy for hemp-based economic transformation, claiming the plant represents a major global economic opportunity with countries like Canada investing in hemp-based industrial products and parts of Europe and the US having legalized its cultivation.

    24 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Saturday 23 May

  1. Eight arrested for looting during Kirinyaga matatu strike

    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 →

Sunday 10 May

  1. Atwoli accuses Gachagua of tribal politics, says he cannot beat Ruto

    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 →

Wednesday 6 May

  1. COTU condemns Gachagua's attacks on labour movement

    The Central Organisation of Trade Unions has criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for what it calls "unwarranted and reckless attacks" on Kenya's labour movement and leadership, saying he has no authority in workers' affairs. COTU also clarified that Francis Atwoli's endorsement of President William Ruto was a personal view, not the union's official position.

    6 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. COTU condemns Gachagua's "reckless attacks" on trade unions

    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 →

  3. COTU rejects Gachagua's proposal for rival labour union

    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 →

Tuesday 5 May

  1. Gachagua calls for workers' movement to rival COTU, criticizes Atwoli

    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 →

  2. Gachagua accuses Ruto of economic decline and worker hardship

    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 →

  3. Ruto's wage pledge seen as hollow for private security workers

    An opinion piece argues that President Ruto's 12 per cent minimum wage increase announced on Labour Day offers little real benefit to private security workers, citing the government's failure to enforce regulations against non-compliant security companies and inadequate implementation of existing protections.

    5 May 2026 · The Standard →

  4. President Ruto's handlers withholding truth on Western region politics

    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 →

Sunday 3 May

  1. Atwoli clarifies 12 per cent wage rise is general adjustment

    COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has clarified that the 12 per cent wage increase announced by President William Ruto during Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County is a general wage adjustment, not a minimum wage increment.

    3 May 2026 · The Standard →

  2. EPZA assures workers of negotiations over terminal dues

    The Export Processing Zone Authority has assured more than 3,000 workers suspended after Hela Intimates closed operations at its Athi River facility that the government is negotiating with the company to settle outstanding terminal dues and March 2026 salaries, which have been confirmed as committed by the company's management.

    3 May 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 2 May

  1. COTU clarifies 12% wage increase applies broadly across economy

    COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has clarified that President William Ruto's recently announced 12 per cent wage increase is a general salary adjustment affecting workers across salary brackets, not just minimum wage earners. Atwoli said the government separately implemented a 15 per cent increase for minimum wage earners.

    2 May 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Labour Day event becomes political rally for Ruto re-election

    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 →

  3. Labour Day rally accused of political mobilisation for 2027 election

    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 →

  4. Workers disappointed as Ruto, Atwoli ignore wage demands

    President William Ruto and Cotu Secretary General led Labour Day celebrations in Chavakali, Vihiga County, but majority of workers watched in disappointment, weighed down by the high cost of living.

    2 May 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 1 May

  1. Ruto appeals to workers for 2027 re-election support

    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 →

  2. Ruto announces 12% and 15% wage rises, falls short of union demands

    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 →

  3. Atwoli calls on IEBC to curb premature political rallies

    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.

    1 May 2026 · Capital News →

  4. Atwoli demands Ruto fast-track labour treaty ratification

    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.

    1 May 2026 · Capital News →

  5. Gachagua critiques government over worker hardship on Labour Day

    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 →

  6. President Ruto to lead 2026 Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga

    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 →

  7. Vihiga hosts Kenya's 61st Labour Day celebrations outside Nairobi

    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 →

  8. Hundreds of workers gather in Vihiga for Labour Day celebrations

    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 →

  9. Atwoli turns Labour Day event into political rally chants

    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 →

  10. COTU chief urges IEBC to stop premature political rallies

    COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli called on the IEBC to take firm action against political rallies occurring before an official campaign period is announced, warning that workers will suffer most if political tensions and polarisation escalate into national instability.

    1 May 2026 · The Standard →

  11. Ruto announces 12% general wage rise, 15% for agriculture

    President William Ruto announced a 12 per cent increase in general wages and a 15 per cent increase in agricultural wages during Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County. The announcement comes as the Central Organisation of Trade Unions had requested a 23 per cent wage increment.

    1 May 2026 · The Standard →

  12. Workers face debt and hardship despite Labour Day celebrations

    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 →

Francis Atwoli — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute