In an exposé by Hanifa Farsafi, it has come to light that Francis Atwoli, despite being nearly 80 years old, is still clinging tightly to power as the Secretary General of COTU. He has led COTU since 2001 and shows no signs of stepping down.
The latest revelations paint a troubling picture of a man willing to use dirty tricks, intimidation, and manipulation to eliminate any opposition, especially among leaders of independent unions like TAWU.
While some of these claims have yet to be independently verified, the emerging pattern is worrying and points to a serious crisis within Kenya’s labor movement.
At the center of the storm is an alleged attack on Dan Mihadi, the Secretary General of the Transport and Allied Workers Union. On May 26, 2025, it is claimed that Atwoli sent a group of hired goons to physically assault Mihadi at his office.
Mihadi narrowly escaped. In his place, Nicholas Ogola was allegedly installed as the new Secretary General, an action that goes against the union’s constitution. Legal proceedings that followed were strange. Mihadi initially won a case defending his position, but shockingly, the same court later reversed its decision without clear reason.
Ogola’s supporters were reportedly heard bragging that Atwoli had taken care of the judges, suggesting the outcome had been bought.Things became worse when Mihadi was arrested over a forgery complaint filed at Central Police Station.
Later, the person named in the complaint denied ever filing it or even visiting the station. Even with this new information, the police refused to correct the record.
One officer allegedly warned Mihadi that Atwoli had injected a lot of money into the system to bury him in endless court battles. The implication is clear: the justice system may have been compromised to serve one man’s interests.
This isn’t just about one union. Similar stories are emerging from five other sectors water and sanitation, commercial, journalism, security, and puton unions.
Leaders in all these unions appear to be facing intimidation, removal, and replacement by people loyal to Atwoli. This is seen by many as a direct attempt to consolidate his power across Kenya’s labor movement.
Rather than stepping aside and letting younger leadership take over, Atwoli is accused of orchestrating a campaign of fear and manipulation to stay in control.
Critics argue that these tactics are not only undemocratic but dangerous. They say the unions are being turned into personal empires rather than platforms to fight for workers.
Defenders of Atwoli point to his long career and growth of union membership under his watch. But even his biggest achievements can’t excuse the alleged use of violence, corruption, and intimidation against fellow trade unionists.
What’s happening in Kenya’s unions should be a wake-up call. If these groups are supposed to protect workers, then their leadership must also be held to high standards.
The courts and police must act fairly and independently. Any use of power to crush opposition within unions should not be tolerated. At nearly 80, Atwoli should be preparing for retirement, not dragging unions through chaos. Yet he seems determined to hang on, whatever the cost to others.
The evidence so far suggests a disturbing abuse of power. Union members must demand change and accountability. Leadership should be chosen through free and fair processes, not installed through force or bribes.
If unions are to stay relevant and effective in protecting workers’ rights, they must begin by cleaning up their own houses.
