Atwoli Defends Sixth Term Win Amid Court Challenge
Francis Atwoli, the Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions, has strongly defended his re-election for a sixth term following a petition challenging the outcome of the union’s polls.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 18, COTU dismissed the petition as baseless and politically motivated, insisting that the election process was free, fair, and conducted in accordance with the union’s constitution.
Atwoli Questions Petitioner’s Legitimacy
Atwoli cast doubt on the credibility of the individual behind the petition, stating that the petitioner lacks the legal standing to challenge the election.
“The busybody behind the petition is neither a member of any affiliate union of COTU (K), nor an official of any trade union, nor a participant in the electoral process,” Atwoli said.
According to him, only registered and participating members of affiliated unions have the authority to question internal electoral processes.
COTU Insists Elections Met Constitutional Threshold
Defending the integrity of the exercise, Atwoli noted that the elections recorded overwhelming participation from affiliated unions.
He revealed that the polls achieved a 92 per cent quorum of eligible delegates, significantly surpassing the constitutional requirement of 51 per cent.
Additionally, he stated that over 90 per cent of COTU’s affiliated unions had completed their internal electoral processes before taking part in the national vote.
“The elections were conducted with overwhelming participation… well above the constitutional requirement,” he added.
Petition Filed in Labour Court
The petition challenging Atwoli’s re-election was filed at the Employment and Labour Relations Court, just hours after he secured another term on March 14.
Petitioners argue that the election process violated the legally prescribed union election cycle and excluded certain labour unions from participating.
They further claim that the entire exercise was flawed and lacked transparency.
Atwoli Responds to Exclusion Claims
Responding to the allegations, Atwoli clarified that the unions cited in the petition were not eligible to vote because they were not paid-up affiliates of COTU.
However, he acknowledged that the said unions were present during the elections as observers.
This, he argued, further demonstrates transparency in the electoral process rather than exclusion.
Allegations Against Petitioner Surface
In a sharp twist, COTU’s statement also referenced ongoing investigations by anti-graft authorities, alleging that the petitioner had previously been implicated in a case involving fake academic credentials.
While details remain limited, the union suggested that the petition may be part of a broader agenda to discredit its leadership.
Political Undertones Ahead of 2027 Elections
COTU warned that the petition could be politically motivated, especially as the country gears up for the 2027 General Election.
The union cautioned against attempts to undermine its leadership, emphasizing its long-standing role in representing workers’ interests in Kenya.
What Next for Atwoli?
With the matter now before the courts, the final determination will depend on judicial review of the election process and the validity of the claims raised.
If the court finds merit in the petition, it could trigger fresh elections or reforms within the union. However, if dismissed, Atwoli’s position as COTU Secretary General will remain intact.
For now, the veteran trade unionist appears firm in his stance, signaling that he is ready to defend his leadership both legally and politically.