Three Petitions Filed to Oppose COTU Election Results, Atwoli Reveals

Three Petitions Filed to Oppose COTU Election Results, Atwoli Reveals

Francis Atwoli, Secretary-General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Kenya) (COTU-K), has confirmed that only three legal petitions have been filed challenging the organisation’s recent leadership elections, dismissing earlier reports that seven cases had been lodged.

In a statement issued on Thursday, March 26, Atwoli said the petitions were filed in courts located in Nairobi and Kerugoya, but insisted they would not disrupt the union’s operations or its mandate to represent workers.

“We wish to call upon Kenyan workers who are members of COTU (K) not to be disturbed by the propaganda being spread… as these petitions will not stop COTU (K) from serving the interests of our members,” Atwoli said.

The veteran labour leader also criticised sections of the media for what he described as misleading interpretations of recent court decisions, particularly reports suggesting the rulings amounted to a reprieve for the organisation.

Courts decline to halt registration

According to COTU, both the Employment and Labour Relations Court and the High Court of Kenya declined to issue orders that would have blocked the formal registration of the newly elected officials.

The Employment and Labour Relations Court rejected applications seeking to stop the process, while the High Court in Kerugoya ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over the matter and ordered the case transferred to Nairobi for further consideration.

COTU officials say the decisions effectively allowed the election outcome to stand, pending the substantive hearing of the petitions.

Atwoli emphasised that the union leadership remains focused on its work despite the legal challenges.

“The Secretary General of COTU (K) is currently in Geneva, unperturbed, attending the ILO Governing Body Meeting,” the statement noted, referring to the International Labour Organization forum in Geneva.

He added that affiliated unions were equally unconcerned, having participated in the electoral process and recognising the constitutional right of any citizen to seek judicial review.

“All affiliates… respect the rights of any Kenyan to petition the court, regardless of the emptiness of the petitions,” the statement said.

Sixth term for long-serving union chief

Atwoli was re-elected unopposed as Secretary-General during COTU’s 15th Quinquennial Governing Council Delegates Conference held earlier this month at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.

He first assumed the role in 2001 and has since remained at the helm of the country’s largest labour federation, making him one of the longest-serving trade union leaders in Kenya.

His latest victory marks the beginning of his sixth term, further consolidating his influence within the labour movement.

Pledge to safeguard union independence

Following his re-election, Atwoli expressed gratitude to the government and political actors for what he described as non-interference in the electoral process.

“I want to thank the Kenyan government and other political parties… for non-interference with the elections,” he said.

He emphasised that the labour movement must remain autonomous to effectively advocate for workers’ rights.

“This movement regulates itself, and that is a sign of respect for a free and independent labour movement,” Atwoli added.

Broader implications

Analysts note that leadership contests within major labour organisations often attract legal challenges, particularly where internal politics intersect with national policy debates on wages, employment conditions, and economic reforms.

COTU-K represents millions of workers across multiple sectors and plays a significant role in negotiations with government and employers on labour matters, making the stability of its leadership a matter of national interest.

For now, the organisation appears determined to project continuity and confidence as the petitions proceed through the courts.

Whether the legal challenges will alter the leadership structure remains uncertain, but Atwoli’s statement signals a firm stance that the union’s operations will continue uninterrupted.

As the cases unfold, workers, employers, and policymakers alike will be watching closely, given COTU’s central role in shaping Kenya’s labour landscape.

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Three Petitions Filed to Oppose COTU Election Results, Atwoli Reveals