COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has said that workers are not fools and they know when employers have money during Labour day celebrations.
Atwoli made the remarks on May 1, 2024 during Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi. He said, “We do not approach employers blindly. We also look at cost of living, inflation rate, so that when we make demands, you cannot escape. Sisi sio wajinga. We know when employers have money and when there’s none!“
Labour Day, is an annual occasion, that honors the accomplishments of laborers. It took place at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi and occasion was graced by President William Ruto, DP Rigathi Gachagua, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, CS for Labour Florence Bore, Nairobi Women Rep Esther Passaris among others.
Labour day traces its roots back to the labor union movement, particularly the campaign for the eight-hour workday.
This movement championed a balanced schedule: eight hours for labor, eight for leisure, and eight for rest.
In numerous nations, Labour Day aligns with International Workers’ Day, observed on May 1st.
The celebrations went smoothly with speeches delivered by different leaders. Nairobi Women Rep Esther Passaris made an appeal to the executive order to look into the plight of civil servants and offer affordable housing so that everyone can have a piece of the cake and be a home owner.
Adding, “If we were going to charge civil servants more on the social housing, at least the houses would be slightly better.”
Governor Johnson Sakaja spoke about the effects of floods and the measures his team (The Green Army) is working on to ensure the city’s drainage is uncloaged and working in perfect condition.
Consenquently, Sakaja did not miss a chance to encourage and motivate COTU Secreatry General Francis Atwoli about people throwing stones at them. “Papa Francis Atwoli nilisikia ukisema unasikia uchungu sana ukiona mtoto wako gavana akitajwa. Ningependa kukuambia Papa, usisikie uchungu. Ni kawaida. Ni siasa…Hata mimi nasikia uchungu wewe ‘ukipigwa’ na nimeona umeanza kuchokozwa. Usife moyo!”
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli categorically stated that the trade union movement has changed. They do more of scientic dialogue than agitation and that’s why there are no fights amongst themselves.
He further went on to reiterate that he does not fight for the rights of workers saying, “We are busy with employers in boardrooms negotiating for good terms and conditions of our workers. Some are saying ‘Atwoli amekaa tu’ no!“
On the other hand, President William Ruto promised Kenyans that his government will build between 50,000-70,000 houses every year so that those affected by floods will have a place to call home.
In addition he urged those who live in ‘mabati’ houses can still get affordable housing for the same amount.
There was a rib-cracking moment when President Ruto shared a joke when he said he is unfazed by those who call him ‘Zakayo.’
Adding, “As long as you pay your taxes and help build Kenya, you can continue to call him ‘Zakayo‘ for as long as one wants.
