Atwoli dismisses claims 7 petitions have been filed to challenge COTU elections

COTU SG Francis Atwoli/FILE

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) has dismissed claims that seven petitions have been filed challenging its recent elections, saying sections of the media of spreading falsehoods and misrepresenting facts.

In a press statement issued on March 26, 2026, COTU SG Francis Atwoli said only three petitions have been lodged in court in relation to the elections held on March 14, 2026, at the Tom Mboya Labour College.

The organisation expressed concern over what it termed as continued attempts to misreport the matter, alleging that some journalists had been influenced to distort information.

“COTU (K) has taken note, with great concern, of continued attempts by some media houses to misrepresent, misreport, and perpetuate falsehoods,” Atwoli said.

The union further criticised reports indicating that seven cases had been filed, terming the claims as propaganda.

“We wish to state, unequivocally, that only three baseless petitions have been filed. We therefore strongly condemn the reporting by some media houses, which have falsely alleged that there are seven cases filed against COTU (K),” he added.

According to COTU, the petitions were filed by individuals and entities that it claims do not represent the interests of Kenyan workers.

The first case was filed at the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi, the second at the High Court in Kerugoya, while a third petition has been filed in Nairobi but is yet to be served on the organisation.

COTU maintained that the petitions would not affect its operations or its mandate to serve workers.

“We wish to call upon Kenyan workers who are members of COTU (K) not to be disturbed by the propaganda being spread… as these petitions will not stop COTU (K) from serving the interests of our members,” the statement said.

The organisation also pointed to recent court decisions, noting that attempts to block the registration of its elected officials had not succeeded.

It said the Employment and Labour Relations Court declined to grant orders sought against the registration of officials, while the High Court in Kerugoya ruled that it lacked jurisdiction and transferred the matter to Nairobi.

COTU used the opportunity to call for adherence to professional standards in journalism, emphasising the role of the media in shaping public discourse.

“As COTU (K), we call for responsible journalism in accordance with the established canons of the profession, as the media plays a critical role in shaping public discourse,” the statement read.

The union further criticised what it described as sensational reporting of the court rulings, particularly claims that the decisions were a reprieve for the organisation.

“We wish to call out the sensational reporting where some media houses reported that the rulings were ‘a reprieve to COTU’,” the statement added.

The statement, signed by Secretary General Francis Atwoli, said the organisation’s leadership remains focused on its mandate, noting that Atwoli is currently attending the International Labour Organization Governing Body meeting in Geneva.

COTU said its affiliates remain unshaken by the legal challenges, maintaining that the elections were conducted in accordance with its constitution and that members respect the right of any Kenyan to seek legal redress.