Fourth Court Petition Filed Against Francis Atwoli’s Sixth-Term Re-Election as COTU Secretary General
In yet another legal blow to the long-serving trade unionist, a fourth petition has been lodged at the High Court in Kerugoya challenging the re-election of Francis Atwoli as Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K).
The case, filed by the Centre for Public Policy and Research, seeks to nullify the March 14, 2026 elections held at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu, where Atwoli was declared unopposed for a record sixth five-year term. Petitioners argue that the polls were conducted prematurely, before several affiliate unions completed their own branch and national elections, rendering the entire process unconstitutional and in breach of labour laws governing trade union governance.
The petition names key respondents including the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, the Registrar of Trade Unions, COTU-K itself, and the Attorney General. It accuses the umbrella body of violating constitutional principles on fair electoral processes and democratic representation of Kenyan workers. This latest suit joins three previous challenges already filed mainly in Nairobi courts, intensifying scrutiny over Atwoli’s extended leadership, which has now spanned more than 25 years since he first assumed the role in 2001. Critics claim the rushed timing disenfranchised some unions and undermined internal democracy within the labour movement.
COTU has previously dismissed similar petitions as baseless and politically motivated, insisting the elections followed due process and enjoyed broad support from delegates. However, with multiple cases now pending, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the legitimacy of Atwoli’s continued stewardship and the future conduct of union elections across Kenya. Legal experts note that the consolidated challenges highlight deeper questions about term limits, transparency, and accountability in trade union leadership — issues that continue to spark debate in the country’s industrial relations landscape. The High Court is expected to give directions on the consolidated matters in the coming weeks.
