The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, has said that Kenyans will miss him if he decides to step down from his long-held position at the helm of the trade union.
Responding to recent criticism over his dalliance with the government and prolonged leadership at COTU via a column in Daily Nation's The Weekly Review on Sunday, Atwoli defended his tenure, noting that Kenyans often criticise leaders while in office, only to appreciate their contributions after they leave.
Atwoli, who has been at the helm of COTU since 2001 and has been the subject of media headlines after Kenyans on social media called for his resignation from his role, also lashed out at journalists, who instead have not grasped the evolution of trade unionism. The SG, while drawing a comparison with how trade unions were militant like in the earlier years of independence, indicated that his dalliance will likely be praised once he exits the union. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli speaking during a meeting with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi in February 14, 2023.
Photo Francis Atwoli He maintained that former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and, most recently, Uhuru Kenyatta were subjects of ridicule while at the helm of their leadership positions, only to be praised years later after their exit. ''There was a tense, hostile, and combative relationship between trade unions, the government, and employers.
