Atwoli to Kenyans: Give Ruto space, time to do his job

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has urged Kenyans to be patient and allow President William Ruto the time and space necessary to implement his policies effectively.

Speaking during Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Atwoli emphasized the importance of rallying behind the President to fulfil his promises to the nation.

He dismissed claims that President Ruto has lost the support of a majority of Kenyans, calling such assertions untrue.

“Hawa Wakenya unaskia wakisema ground ni mbaya, eti si kuzuri, Ruto must go. Lakini ground sio mbaya. Huyo anasema ground ni mbaya hana ground. Tuwache mtu (Rais Ruto) amalize kazi yake,” he stated.

Atwoli remarked that all administrations since independence have faced challenges in implementing their manifestos, but this has not prevented them from completing their full terms in office. He believes Ruto’s situation will be no different.

“Your Excellency Rais Ruto, usitishike. Kuna watu wanapenda kutisha. Mimi nilikuwa hapa Jomo Kenyatta akiwa president. After three years, we had problems in government. Moi akiwa president, there were many problems mpaka watu wakaimba yote yawezekana bila Moi. Tukawa na Kibaki na Uhuru, na wote wakamaliza ten years yao,” he said.

Atwoli asserted that the workers’ union cannot afford to work in opposition to the government, especially given its mandate.

“COTU is not a political party. We negotiate for our rights. We are not aspiring to have a president. We must support the government of the day for the stability of the country, which will extend to industrial stability,” he explained.

He cautioned Kenyans to be careful what they wish for and called for regulation of content shared on social media.

“I am appealing to Kenyans; we must love this country. We have no other country. If this country goes to the dogs, we have no exit route. Kenyans should see what is happening in the DRC,” he warned.

“If we don’t regulate social media, (we will be in trouble). It is regulated in countries such as China, Dubai, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Kenya cannot be a free-for-all,” he added.

During the celebrations, Atwoli indicated that his tenure at the helm of COTU may soon come to an end.

“I have been around as a leader in the labour movement in this country for 24 years. Recently, I mentioned to President William Ruto that he will be the last president I serve. I have served all the Presidents of the Republic of Kenya,” he noted.

“As you see me here, I am contemplating exiting COTU. However, a section of the executive board has met and made a resolution expressing confidence in me. But this does not mean that as we enter the new year, it will be only Atwoli who can lead the labour movement,” he explained.