Kenya, April 30 -- The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) executive board has dismissed retirement rumours surrounding its long-serving Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, declaring the 74-year-old leader "too young to retire."
During a press conference held at the union's headquarters in Nairobi on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the board unanimously endorsed Atwoli to defend his seat in the upcoming elections scheduled for next year at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.
The board, comprising members such as Moses Ndiema, Jescah Nandwa, Isaac Andabwa, and Matilda Kimitto, addressed claims that Atwoli was set to step down, calling them baseless and driven by "busybodies" with no affiliation to registered workers' unions.
Ndiema clarified that Atwoli's recent remarks about retirement, made during a shop stewards' meeting on Saturday, were taken out of context.
"Francis Atwoli remains our Secretary General, a leader for workers in this country, regionally, and internationally. He will contest to defend his position come election time next year," Ndiema stated.
Atwoli, who has served as COTU Secretary General for 23 years since his election in 2001, is also the General Secretary of the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) and President of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU).
By the time of the next election, he will have served for 25 years, making him the longest-serving leader in the union's history.
The board emphasized that there is no age limit for the position, with Andabwa adding, "Leadership is not by age. Atwoli is highly experienced and knowledgeable, and we do not owe anyone an apology for his length of service."
The endorsement comes amid speculation about Atwoli's tenure, with some critics questioning whether new leadership is needed to address emerging challenges facing Kenyan workers.
However, the board maintained that Atwoli remains the ideal candidate to continue advocating for workers' rights.
"It is the Kenyan workers' choice that we still want Atwoli. COTU cannot lose its legitimacy, given its membership," Ndiema said, dismissing calls for Atwoli's retirement as unfounded.
The press conference also addressed procedural matters, with Andabwa noting that the Ministry of Labour's regulations will guide the election process.
"There is no vacant position in COTU until we receive a notice from the ministry," he said, adding that the board will vet all prospective candidates for their suitability when the time comes.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.