Atwoli Attacks Media for Exposing Dictatorship in COTU

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The Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) on Monday September 18 hit out at the media for purported conflagration of some imagined rights. Atwoli branded a report in the Daily Nation as irresponsible and reckless journalism since it exposed the dictatorial tendencies of the administrators of the giant trade union.

Since he shifted his political allegiance to President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance the former advocate of democratic principles has become a shadow of his former self.

His statement shared with the same media he was attacking reads:

“The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K), wishes to express its deep disappointment and concern over today’s headline published by the Daily Nation newspaper, which we view as misleading and, regrettably, part of a broader trend of irresponsible and reckless journalism in Kenya.

As COTU (K) we are calling upon the Media Council of Kenya and the Kenya Editor Guild to reign in on the rogue senior newspaper editors who continue blackmailing organizations and individuals through misleading stories that sell terror and fear when their demands are not met. COTU (K) shall continue representing the interest of Kenyan Workers and not of a few senior editors in newsrooms.

With a membership of over Four Million workers, COTU (K) is the Second largest trade union in Africa and consequently continues effectively representing workers locally and internationally. We firmly believe in the principles of social dialogue, tripartism, and peaceful conflict resolution. We recognize that our role as a responsible trade union is to engage constructively with the government, employers, and other key players to advance the rights and interests of workers.

Our position is grounded in the understanding that Kenya is currently facing significant economic challenges. In these trying times, it is imperative that we collectively work towards stabilizing the economy, preserving jobs, and creating an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth. Since the promulgation of the 2010 constitution which has promoted harmonious industrial relations in Kenya, COTU (K)’s stance has always been clear: We advocate for tripartite consultations and meaningful negotiations as the preferred avenues for addressing workers’ concerns, rather than resorting to strikes and demonstrations that can disrupt the economy and harm our members.

We call upon the media, especially the Daily Nation, to uphold the highest standards of responsible journalism. It is incumbent upon the media to provide accurate and balanced information to the public, particularly when reporting on matters as critical as trade union activities and labour relations.”