Central Organisation of Trade Union (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has advised President William Ruto not to be perturbed with his re-election prospects, stressing that it is Kenya’s tradition for any sitting president to complete his two terms.

Speaking while accompanying Ruto in Vihiga County on Saturday, October 4, 2025, the veteran trade unionist assured the president that he would secure his second term.

He asserted that the fifth president would not be an exception and would finish his term just as his predecessors did.

Ruto is no exception

“We had all our presidents finish their constitutional terms. You will not be different. Mambo ya two-term isikisumbue, it has become our tradition and part of our culture that we must respect whoever has been elected to finish his two terms, so let that not bother you,” he stated.

You will not be different; you have to finish your two terms,” he stated.

The COTU boss further hailed Ruto’s development agenda under the broad-based government, emphasising that the Western region will also support him on the same premise.

Broad-based government

“We now have massive development in Nyanza because of the broad-based government. You cannot do good things for us and then we say we will wait until 2027 to reconsider our political choices.

Atwoli’s remarks mirror the sentiments he made during the 60th anniversary of Labour Day celebrations in Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Atwoli, while referencing the ongoing criticism of the Ruto administration and specifically the ‘Ruto Must Go’ chants, noted that the criticisms were peddled by people whose sole purpose was to intimidate the president.

Solidarity with Ruto

Atwoli reassured the president that all the past regimes had their own turbulent times but successfully weathered the storm.

“Do not be intimidated by these people who are keen to trade threats and intimidation. Those Kenyans you hear saying things are not good. That Ruto Must Go. It is not the ground that it is not good. Let’s leave Ruto to finish his term.”

He concluded by urging the head of state to remain steadfast and disregard the criticism directed at his administration.