President William Ruto has honoured Fred Omido, a distinguished veteran of the labour movement and former Member of Parliament for Makadara.

The recognition took place during the national Labour Day celebrations held in Vihiga on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, while making his speech at the event, asked the president to recognise Omido for the services he has provided at the labour union.

“If Fred is nearby, let him say hello. His Excellency, the President, Fred, has been a veteran labour leader. Fred has been a Member of Parliament for Makadara. He was also a counsellor in Nairobi and is a man of history,” Atwoli said.

Remaining unionist

According to Atwoli, the Vihiga region had many veteran unionists recognising Fred as the only remaining veteran who needs to be recognised.

“He’s the only veteran still living amongst the others, like the late Clement Lubembe… we had so many labour leaders from here,” Atwoli said.

Labour Day celebration

The Labour Day celebrations are underway at Chavakali High School in Vihiga County.

President Ruto joined Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli in marking this year’s celebrations.

Chavakali boys have been filled with Kenyan workers from different sectors, reflecting a diverse mix of professions and industries.

Kenyans are marking the 61st Labour Day, observed annually and providing an opportunity to recognise the contribution of workers across all sectors of the economy.