Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu), has been re-elected unopposed for a fifth term as the umbrella union’s leader.
Mr Atwoli, who was first elected to the union’s helm in 2001, had an easy ride after his only challenger, Kenya National Union of Nurses (Knun) Secretary General Seth Panyako, was barred from running for lack of membership in Cotu.
All 34 members of the secretariat and executive board were elected unopposed in an election held on Friday at Kisumu’s Tom Mboya Labour College.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Atwoli thanked the 250 delegates for believing in his leadership and keeping him at the helm of the thriving union.
“Through my election, I commit to always championing for worker rights, and I will not be intimidated,” he said.
On his official Twitter account, he added, “I promise to serve you with all my might and strength and not betray the trust you have bestowed in me.”
Rajabu Mwondi (chairman), Joel Chebii (first vice chairman), Francis Murage (second vice chairman), Benson Okwaro (deputy secretary general), Ernest Nadome (first assistant secretary general), and Carolyn Rutto are among the secretariat’s 12 officials (second assistant secretary general).
Rebecca Nyathogora (treasurer general), Washington Adongo (deputy treasurer), Francis Wangara (first trustee), and Joseph Onchonga are the other members (second trustee).
The 22 members of the executive board were also elected in the virtual and physical processes.
