Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has faulted President William Ruto’s administration over the continued over-taxation of Kenyans.
Speaking in Mombasa where he joined IndustriALL Global Union at their Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Committee meeting, the outspoken trade unionist said he was seeking dialogue with President William Ruto to discuss the issue of the high cost of living and its impact on workers.
“As the Cotu executive board, we have already initiated communication with His Excellency President William Ruto seeking a high-level meeting with his advisors and relevant ministries. The aim is to explore potential solutions for escalating cost of living,” said Atwoli.
On why he has not taken to the streets to protest against high taxation and peanut salaries for workers, Atwoli said he would call for mass action if the planned talks with President William Ruto did not have bored fruits.
“We need to meet them as Cotu executive board and tell them that the country is not moving in the right direction, we don’t want to take our people on the streets before we enter into dialogue,” said Atwoli on Wednesday, October 18.
Last month, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga asked Atwoli to be at the forefront of leading the anti-government protests in unison with suffering Kenyans.
“As the leader of the labor union, you (Francis Atwoli) should be at the forefront of defending the interests of the workers,” Raila said.
Raila further faulted the flamboyant trade unionist for abandoning the plight of workers and instead going to bed with Kenya Kwanza government, a move he said was hurting Kenyan workers.
“The labor movement has instead gone to bed with this regime. Kenyan workers are now on their own,” he added.
