Atwoli backs Ruto, cautions against early campaigns

Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli on Friday rallied workers to support President William Ruto’s re-election.

This is even as he warned against premature political campaigns he said risk polarising and deepening divisions in the country.

Speaking during Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga county, the veteran trade unionist praised Ruto’s leadership, describing him as a reformist who has improved workers’ welfare and stabilised the economy through key development projects.

Atwoli told the gathering that workers and the Western region were firmly behind the President, declaring “Tutam” [two-term] — a phrase he used to signal political support — while urging leaders to prioritise unity over early electioneering.

“These workers who have passed here today are clearly indicating that this region and workers across the republic are two-term,” he said.

He credited the President with implementing programmes that have boosted economic activity, including subsidised fertiliser and infrastructure expansion across the country.

“You have stabilised the economy through construction projects. Kenyans could not believe that subsidised fertiliser would be possible, but you delivered,” Atwoli said.

The Cotu boss highlighted major infrastructure initiatives, saying they were transforming livelihoods and creating employment opportunities.

He cited affordable housing, road expansion projects such as the Rironi–Mau Summit highway, and the planned extension of the standard gauge railway from Naivasha to Malaba.

Atwoli described the affordable housing programme as a game-changer that is reshaping urban centres and expanding access to decent shelter for ordinary Kenyans.

“You are a bold President who has undertaken projects many before you avoided. Affordable housing has changed the face of this country,” he said.

However, Atwoli used the same platform to caution against rising political activity ahead of the official campaign period, calling on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to intervene.

He warned that continued political rallies and inflammatory rhetoric could polarise the country and undermine economic gains.

“We are very concerned about the ongoing political rallies. We urge IEBC to stop this and ask Kenyans to wait for the official campaign calendar,” he said.

Atwoli noted that unchecked political competition could trigger instability, with workers, women and children bearing the brunt of any unrest.

“In any country where there is political turmoil, it is workers and children who suffer most because they cannot run away,” he said.

Atwoli accused some opposition leaders of fuelling unnecessary tension, warning that such actions could have long-term consequences for national cohesion.

“These self-proclaimed leaders will run away when things go wrong, but ordinary Kenyans will remain here. That is why the law must take its course,” he added.

Beyond politics, Atwoli outlined key labour concerns, urging the government to fast-track the ratification of International Labour Organisation conventions 189 and 190, which focus on the protection of domestic workers and the elimination of workplace violence and harassment.

He also called for the development of a clear policy framework to regulate outsourcing, noting that many outsourced workers face exploitation and unequal treatment.

“Outsourcing is not bad, but it must not be used to deny workers their rights. All outsourced employees must enjoy terms consistent with existing collective bargaining agreements,” the unionist said.

Atwoli further urged government agencies to comply with statutory deductions and labour regulations, stressing the need for accountability across both public and private sectors.

On social protection, he commended reforms at the National Social Security Fund, saying the scheme had recorded strong returns and was playing a growing role in addressing old-age poverty while supporting national development.

“In the last two years, NSSF has recorded double-digit returns, making it one of the best-managed workers’ funds. This is commendable,” Atwoli said.

He also called for greater representation of workers and employers on the NSSF board to enhance transparency and inclusivity.

Atwoli touched on challenges in export processing zones, where he said some employers were failing to honour collective bargaining agreements, and raised concerns over pay cuts in the sugar sector despite ongoing reforms.

On the Social Health Authority (SHA), he acknowledged concerns raised by workers but maintained that the challenges facing the institution were largely internal and could be resolved.

“As a board member, I can say the intention behind SHA is good. The issues we are seeing are internal and can be addressed,” he said.

Atwoli urged political leaders to exercise restraint and focus on development, warning that continued polarisation could derail the country’s progress.

“If this ship sinks, it will sink with all of us. We must safeguard stability for the sake of workers and the nation,” he said.