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The secretary general of Cotu, Francis Atwoli, on Friday urged employees to back President William Ruto’s bid for re-election.

This is despite his warning against early political campaigns, which he claimed could exacerbate and intensify divisions within the nation.

During the Labour Day festivities in Vihiga county, the experienced labor leader commended Ruto’s administration, referring to him as a progressive figure who has enhanced the well-being of workers and brought economic stability via significant infrastructure initiatives.

Atwoli informed the assembly that workers and the Western region were strongly in support of the President, stating “Tutam” [two-term] — a term he employed to express political backing — while encouraging leaders to focus on unity rather than premature campaigning.

“These workers who have come through here today are clearly showing that this region and workers throughout the republic are two-term,” he said.

He acknowledged the President for introducing initiatives that have enhanced economic growth, such as subsidized fertilizer and nationwide infrastructure development.

“You have stabilized the economy via construction initiatives. Kenyans found it hard to believe that subsidized fertilizer would be achievable, yet you managed it,” Atwoli stated.

The leader of Cotu emphasized significant infrastructure projects, stating that they are improving living conditions and generating job opportunities.

He mentioned low-cost housing, road development initiatives like the Rironi–Mau Summit highway, and the proposed expansion of the standard gauge railway from Naivasha to Malaba.

Atwoli characterized the affordable housing initiative as a transformative effort that is altering city landscapes and increasing availability of quality housing for regular Kenyans.

“You are a courageous leader who has taken on initiatives that many predecessors shied away from. Affordable housing has transformed the landscape of this nation,” he stated.

Nevertheless, Atwoli utilized the same platform to warn about increasing political engagement before the official campaign period, urging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to take action.

He cautioned that ongoing political demonstrations and provocative speech might divide the nation and jeopardize economic progress.

“We are deeply worried about the continuous political demonstrations. We call on IEBC to halt this and request Kenyans to await the official campaign schedule,” he stated.

Atwoli pointed out that uncontrolled political rivalry might lead to instability, with workers, women, and children suffering the most during any turmoil.

“In any nation experiencing political instability, it is the workers and children who face the greatest hardship as they are unable to flee,” he stated.

Atwoli blamed certain opposition figures for creating unwarranted tension, cautioning that these actions might lead to lasting effects on the country’s unity.

“These so-called leaders will flee when problems arise, but regular Kenyans will stay. That is why the law should proceed as planned,” he added.

In addition to political matters, Atwoli highlighted important labor issues, calling on the government to expedite the approval of International Labour Organisation conventions 189 and 190, which address the safeguarding of domestic workers and the eradication of workplace violence and harassment.

He further advocated for the creation of a well-defined policy structure to oversee outsourcing, highlighting that numerous outsourced employees encounter unfair treatment and mistreatment.

“Outsourcing isn’t inherently negative, but it shouldn’t be utilized to take away workers’ rights. Every employee who is outsourced should have conditions that align with current collective bargaining agreements,” the union representative stated.

Atwoli again called on government departments to adhere to legal deductions and labor laws, emphasizing the importance of responsibility within both the public and private sectors.

Regarding social protection, he praised the changes implemented at the National Social Security Fund, noting that the program has achieved significant gains and is increasingly contributing to combating elderly poverty while promoting national growth.

“Over the past two years, NSSF has achieved double-digit returns, positioning it among the most effectively managed employee funds. This is praiseworthy,” Atwoli stated.

He also advocated for increased involvement of workers and employers on the NSSF board to improve transparency and diversity.

Atwoli highlighted issues within export processing zones, stating that certain employers were not upholding collective bargaining agreements, and expressed worries about wage reductions in the sugar industry despite continuous improvements.

Regarding the Social Health Authority (SHA), he recognized the worries expressed by employees but emphasized that the issues confronting the organization were primarily internal and capable of being addressed.

“As a member of the board, I can confirm that the purpose of SHA is positive. The challenges we are facing are internal and can be resolved,” he stated.

Atwoli called on political leaders to show self-control and concentrate on growth, cautioning that ongoing division might hinder the nation’s advancement.

“If this vessel goes down, it will take all of us with it. We need to ensure stability for the benefit of the workers and the country,” he stated.