Atwoli Links COTU Victory to Fatherhood Responsibilities: ‘My Baby Won’t Lack Milk’

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has expressed his gratitude to union members for returning him to office unopposed.

Speaking during this year’s Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County, the veteran unionist linked his recent electoral victory to his responsibilities as a father. He told the gathered crowd that the workers had secured his position to ensure his youngest child was well-provided for.

A Father’s Gratitude

Mr Atwoli, who has led the powerful workers' umbrella body for more than 20 years, shared a light-hearted moment regarding his personal life. He suggested that the delegates' decision to grant him another term was a gesture of support for his growing family.

"You returned me for another term so that my child does not lack milk," Atwoli told the audience.

The remark referred to his son, Atwoli Junior, who was born just over a year ago. The COTU boss noted that his personal life is often a subject of public discussion, but he maintained that his re-election was a vote of confidence in his ability to continue representing Kenyan workers.

Unopposed in Kisumu

The Labour Day speech follows Mr Atwoli’s formal re-election on 14 March 2026. The vote took place during the 15th Quinquennial Governing Council Delegates Conference held at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.

Delegates at the conference chose not to field a challenger against him. They cited their continued confidence in his long-standing leadership.

Following the win, Mr Atwoli urged workers to support the government’s development initiatives, including affordable housing and infrastructure projects.

The Arrival of ‘AJ’

The child mentioned in his speech, Atwoli Junior, was born on 25 March 2025. He is the first child for Mr Atwoli and his wife, TV news anchor Mary Kilobi. The couple has been married since 2018, following a traditional wedding ceremony.

At the time of the birth, Mr Atwoli was attending official business in Geneva and had to wait several days before meeting his newborn son. Despite some public debate regarding the age gap between the couple, Mr Atwoli has always remained open about his marriage.

"I don't marry secretly. I make it public," he previously stated during a holiday at the Coast.

Looking Ahead

As he begins his new term, Mr Atwoli has pledged to work closely with the government to improve worker welfare. He specifically highlighted the need for more flexible payment plans for the Affordable Housing Programme to help lower-income workers own homes.

While his "milk" comment brought a human touch to the national celebrations in Vihiga, the COTU leader made it clear that his focus remains on protecting the constitutional rights of Kenyan employees.

He insisted that while the union supports government progress, it will continue to criticise any policies that threaten the interests of the workers.