Kenya, April 12 -- Francis Atwoli, the long-serving Secretary-General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), hinted at retirement during a workers' forum in Nairobi on Saturday, suggesting that President William Ruto's administration might be the final government he serves under.
"Maybe Ruto's government will be the last one I serve in, then I retire to Khwisero," Atwoli told the gathering, referring to his rural home in Kakamega County.
Atwoli, a prominent labour leader for over two decades, has been a key ally of successive Kenyan governments, including Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) administration.
His remarks come amid speculation about his future role, given his age-73-and recent debates over leadership transitions within COTU.
The veteran trade unionist did not elaborate on a timeline for his potential exit but emphasised his commitment to workers' rights until his departure.
"I will keep fighting for the Kenyan worker until I go home to rest," he added, drawing applause from the audience.
Political observers note that his retirement could mark a significant shift in Kenya's labour movement, given his influential tenure.
Francis Atwoli, the Secretary-General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) since 2001, is one of Kenya's most enduring and polarising figures in labour and politics.
At 73, his influence spans decades, shaping the labour movement, national politics, and socio-economic discourse, making him a formidable power broker in Kenyan society.
Atwoli's primary influence stems from his leadership of COTU, Kenya's umbrella body for trade unions, representing over 1.5 million workers across sectors like education, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Under his stewardship, COTU has secured wage increments, better working conditions, and social protections, including advocating for the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) enhancements.
His ability to mobilise workers for strikes or negotiations has given him leverage over employers and the government, cementing his role as the voice of Kenya's working class.
His international clout is notable, serving as president of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) and holding positions in the International Labour Organisation (ILO). These roles have amplified his influence, enabling him to shape labour policies beyond Kenya's borders.
Atwoli's influence extends deep into Kenyan politics, where he has aligned COTU with every ruling government since the 1980s, from Daniel Arap Moi to William Ruto.
His strategic endorsements-often accompanied by COTU's voter base in western Kenya and beyond-make him a kingmaker in elections.
For instance, his vocal support for Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in 2022 and subsequent defence of the Ruto-Odinga alliance in 2025 have reinforced his political relevance.
Critics argue Atwoli's cosiness with power dilutes his advocacy, accusing him of prioritising personal gain over workers' interests. His public support for controversial policies, like tax hikes, has sparked backlash, particularly from younger Kenyans during the 2024 Gen Z protests.
Yet, his ability to navigate shifting political tides-backing Moi, Kibaki, Kenyatta, and now Ruto-demonstrates unmatched political agility.
Hailing from Khwisero, Kakamega County, Atwoli is a Luhya community luminary, leveraging ethnic loyalty to bolster his influence in western Kenya, a key voting bloc.
His wealth, visible through investments in media (he owns a radio station), real estate, and philanthropy, enhances his stature. He's known for funding education and community projects, earning grassroots goodwill despite criticisms of opulence.
Atwoli's influence isn't without controversy. His long tenure at COTU-enabled by constitutional amendments critics claim he engineered-has drawn accusations of autocracy.
Allegations of mismanaging union funds and aligning with state interests over workers' needs persist, though unproven. His flamboyant style, including provocative statements like claiming to be "unsackable", often polarises public opinion.
Atwoli's recent hint at retiring after Ruto's term ends signals a potential end to an era. His exit could reshape COTU and Kenya's labour movement, raising questions about succession and whether a new leader can wield similar influence.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.