The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K ) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has been forced to explain why he always offers his support to the government of the day.
In a statement via his official X account on Thursday, November 28, 2024, Atwoli who has been criticised for shifting his political stand after every general election explained that his job as COTU-K boss dictates him to work with the current President and his administration.
In addition, Atwoli noted that all trade unionists globally support the government of the day since they work under a tripartite ILO system which consists of the national government, employers and workers.
He further elaborated that the national government provides the trade union a conducive environment for effective representation and protection of Kenyan workers.
“It is only a fool who doesn’t understand my work all trade unionists globally work under a tripartite ILO system, government, employers and workers and therefore we work and support the government of the day! The government provides an enabling environment for effective worker representation and protection,” he explained.
Cherargei on Atwoli’s political game
His explanation comes after Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei termed a political genius who has mastered the art of survival politics adding that he (Atwoli) has managed to remain relevant in every ruling regime.
“Baba@AtwoliDza is a political genius who is a designated survivor in the high-octane politics of Kenya. He camouflages with the easiness of a chameleon in different political eras. He is a case study of the textbook of the politics of survival and relevance in Kenya,” he wrote via his X account.
Atwoli on presidential term limit
The long-serving COTU-K boss has stirred debate with his remarks on the removal of the presidential term limit.
Speaking during a live interview on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at JKL, Atwoli stated that scrapping the presidential term limit could bring stability to the country’s political industry.
“If you ask me, as Francis Atwoli I will tell you let us remove the presidential term limit because this is what is causing us problems. Someone is timing after 10 years to be president. Are Ugandans experiencing the same problems we experience here?”
“People have made politics an industry. Every morning to evening is politics because they know someone’s term is almost ending,” Atwoli said.
Is only a fool who doesn’t understand my work all trade unionists globally work under tripartite ILO system, government, employers and workers and therefore we work and support the government of the day ! The government provides an enabling environment for effective workers…
— Francis Atwoli NOM (DZA), CBS, EBS, MBS. (@AtwoliDza) November 28, 2024
