COTU SG Atwoli Meets President Ruto After Intense Campaigns

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary general Francis Atwoli on Thursday met President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi.

In a tweet, the trade unionist said he held discussions with the head of state for an hour, covering a wide range of topics including politics, the labor movement, and interpersonal reconciliation.

The outspoken trade unionist said that during the meeting, he urged the president to take steps to improve the lot of ordinary workers.

“This morning I paid a courtesy call to H.E President William Ruto whereby we held discussions on Kenya’s ratification of ILO C190 and outsourcing of labour,” tweeted Atwoli.

Read: Ruto is a Master Tactician who Outsmarted Azimio – Atwoli

Atwoli also thanked Ruto for his unwavering leadership, which has since implemented policies aimed at eradicating poverty.

The COTU leader stated that he has been seeking audience with Dr Ruto in order to go over a number of significant concerns affecting workers.

“I also sought an appointment with the Head of State to meet and share with all COTU Affiliated General Secretaries,” he added.

This morning I paid a courtesy call to H.E President William Ruto whereby we held discussions on Kenya's ratification of ILO C190 and outsourcing of labour. I also sought an appointment with the Head of State to meet and share with all @COTU_K Affiliated General Secretaries. pic.twitter.com/fAQ6uhjQ7R

— Francis Atwoli NOM (DZA), CBS, EBS, MBS. (@AtwoliDza) December 1, 2022

This comes days after Atwoli differed with Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance coalition party leader Raila Odinga over Ruto’s alleged transformation into a despot.

On Saturday, the trade unionist rebuked the former prime minister for saying that the president is in charge of a rogue regime.

According to Atwoli, Raila’s comments were not made in good faith as Kenya is far from being an autocratic nation.

“We are not a dictatorial state, we are nothing near there yet,” he said.

Read Also: Uhuru Can Still be President After 10 Years – Atwoli

Atwoli who actively campaigned for Raila, said political figures should criticize the current regime but should not tell lies.

“Those who are saying Ruto is a dictator are leaders at political space, let them talk because that is what they fought for,” he stated.

He was accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, former Sports CS Rashid Echesa and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.