Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) boss Francis Atwoli has made history yet again in his latest election victory.
Fresh from securing a record 5-year term to lead COTU in April this year, the outspoken unionist has been elected again as member of International Labour Organization (ILO) governing council.
This is a record feat since no one globally has been re-elected for that number of terms at ILO.
“At the same time, Atwoli has now left a mark as the first member of the International Labor Organization Governing Body to be re-elected for a record four times consecutively to the Governing Body,” read the statement signed by COTU Deputy Secretary General Benson Okwaro.
He shall be representing worker’s interests globally at ILO for the next four years.
The ILO Governing Body is the Executive Body of the International Labour Organization that meets three times a year, in March, June and November, in Geneva Switzerland.
In his acceptance speech, Atwoli thanked Kenyan workers whose support has earned him worldwide recognition.
“I am humbled by all your congratulatory messages on my 4th re-election as a Member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body.
“To all Kenyan workers, thank you for your support that has given me recognition worldwide. I promise to continue serving you unwavering,” he said.
The 72-year-old was recently in the eye of a storm after Nairobi County Government named a road in an upmarket estate after him.
Atwoli was first elected to COTU in 2001 as Secretary General and he has won successive union elections since then, serving 5-year terms.
His involvement in national politics besides union politics has earned him critics and admirers in equal measure.
