The long-serving Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu), Francis Atwoli, has dismissed remarks by former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana regarding his tenure at the trade union. The exchange followed Kibwana’s congratulatory message to Atwoli on the birth of his son with journalist Mary Kilobi.
In his message on X (formerly Twitter), Kibwana suggested that Cotu should grant Atwoli a ‘deserved’ paternity leave and use the period to discuss whether trade union leadership should have term limits.
“I heartily congratulate the Atwoli family for the new arrival in their family. Cotu (K) should give their Secretary General a well-deserved Paternity Leave, during which they can also discuss: Should Cotu and trade union leadership be a life tenure affair?” Kibwana posted.
Atwoli, who has led Cotu since his first election in August 2001, swiftly responded, defending his tenure and questioning Kibwana’s logic. He pointed out that he has been instrumental in ensuring that Kenyan workers receive paternity leave, a right enshrined in the country’s labour laws.
“Thanks, Prof! First, I have fought for Kenyan workers to receive paternity leave as part of my work to bring about the five sets of Labour laws. You realize that these laws and the Constitution of Kenya 2010, as in Article 41, have empowered the Kenyan worker above all else in the region,” Atwoli stated.
He further took a swipe at Kibwana, noting that the two are age mates and questioning when a professor’s career is supposed to end.
“You and I are age mates. And I just saw you being appointed as a professor of Law at Daystar University the other day. So, Prof, make me understand, when does your profession come to an end? Can a professor really stop reading, teaching, and writing? When will you stop engaging your mind?” he posed.
Atwoli’s response underscores his long-standing stance on leadership at Cotu, where he has remained in office for over two decades. Despite calls from some quarters for a transition, he continues to enjoy strong support within the labour movement.
The debate reignites discussions on whether trade union leadership in Kenya should have term limits, a subject that remains contentious within the country’s labour and governance spheres.
