President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, have been congratulated on their inauguration by the secretary general of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), Francis Atwoli.
He noted that the President’s inaugural speech was full of reconciliation and hope and that it was in line with the union’s resolution and assurance to work with all Kenyans from all political parties to create a united and prosperous Kenya.
Atwoli urged Kenyans to heed the President’s plea for peace and healing.
Atwoli had been a fierce opponent of Ruto in the run-up to the August 9 election.
“At such times, it’s wisdom to remember that Kenya is bigger than all of us and especially those who were involved in the political campaigns and bickering,” Atwoli said in a statement.
When Kenyans fail to unify and collaborate, according to Atwoli, Kenyan workers, children, and women are most likely to suffer. He pleaded on Kenyans to take President Ruto’s speech seriously because it inspired hope.
According to Atwoli, the tradition of the labor union has been to cooperate with the current administration to advance the rights and welfare of workers.
“As it has been our tradition to work with the government of the day which provides an environment where workers through COTU (K), employers through (FKE) and the government through the Ministry of Labour work in a tripartite structure, COTU (K) remains ready to work with the administration of President William Ruto to promote unity and the rights and welfare of Kenyan workers.” he said.
The COTU-K chairman is one of many popular leaders who openly criticised Ruto’s presidential campaign as he showed his support for Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. At one moment, he even said that Ruto will not be Kenya’s president.
Francis Atwoli has stated that he will leave the union leadership at the end of his current five-year tenure having served at the union since 2001. His current term expires in April 2026.
