Power Struggle in Kenya’s Labor Movement: Atwoli Accused of Plotting to ‘Eliminate’ Six Union Bosses

The halls of Kenya’s labor movement are echoing with disturbing allegations against one of its most powerful figures.

Francis Atwoli, the 76-year-old Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), finds himself at the center of explosive accusations that paint a picture of systematic intimidation and manipulation within the country’s union landscape.

The allegations, brought forward by human rights activist Hanifa Adan, claim that Atwoli, who has served as COTU’s Secretary General since August 2001 , is orchestrating a calculated campaign to eliminate six union leaders who pose potential challenges to his continued dominance.

The targeted unions reportedly include Water and Sanitation, Commercial, Journalism, Security, PUTON, and the Transport and Allied Workers Union (TAWU).

The most detailed allegations center on TAWU, where Dan Mihadi serves as the general secretary.

According to the claims, on May 26th, Atwoli allegedly dispatched enforcers to physically confront Mihadi at his office, forcing him to flee for his safety.

In the aftermath, Nicholas Ogola was purportedly installed as Secretary General, bypassing the union’s constitutional procedures entirely.

What followed reads like a script from a political thriller.

Mihadi initially secured a favorable court ruling, only to watch it mysteriously overturned by the same judicial panel.

The accusations suggest that Ogola’s supporters brazenly boasted of Atwoli’s influence over the judges, claiming the veteran labor leader had “sorted out” the courts to ensure Mihadi’s downfall.

The web of alleged manipulation extends beyond the courtroom.

A forgery complaint was filed against Mihadi at Central Police Station, leading to his arrest.

However, in a bizarre twist, the individual whose name appeared on the complaint later denied ever stepping foot in the police station or having any involvement in the charges.

Despite this contradiction, law enforcement allegedly showed no interest in investigating the discrepancy.

The timing of these allegations is particularly significant given the broader context of Atwoli’s political positioning.

The COTU board has walked back on Atwoli’s declaration that he would exit the leadership, and board members have unanimously endorsed Francis Atwoli to continue as Secretary General in the upcoming union elections.

This reversal came after Atwoli hinted at his exit from the union during Labour Day celebrations , suggesting internal pressures may be influencing his decision to remain in power.

The allegations paint a troubling picture of institutional capture, where police officers allegedly warned Mihadi that substantial resources had been deployed to keep him entangled in legal proceedings indefinitely.

If true, these claims suggest a coordinated effort involving multiple state institutions, from the judiciary to law enforcement agencies.

These accusations come at a time when Atwoli faces pressure to retire after 24 years as COTU boss, yet the COTU Executive Board has reaffirmed its support for Atwoli and plans to back him for re-election in 2026.

The allegations suggest this support may not extend throughout the broader labor movement, particularly among independent union leaders who might challenge the established order.

The Transport and Allied Workers Union has been particularly active in recent years, with Mihadi leading advocacy efforts for aviation workers’ rights and opposing various transportation policies.

TAWU Secretary General Dan Mihadi has been vocal about aviation workers being overlooked and has called for government intervention on minimum wages  .

If substantiated, these allegations would represent a serious breach of democratic principles within Kenya’s labor movement.

They suggest a pattern of using state institutions and extra-legal pressure to suppress internal dissent and maintain power structures that may no longer serve the interests of ordinary workers.

The accusations also raise questions about the integrity of Kenya’s judicial and law enforcement systems, particularly their susceptibility to external influence in labor disputes.

The alleged ease with which court decisions can be overturned and false charges fabricated points to systemic vulnerabilities that extend far beyond the labor movement.

As Kenya’s labor movement grapples with these serious allegations, the broader implications for workers’ rights and democratic governance within trade unions remain to be seen.

The coming months will likely determine whether these accusations lead to meaningful reforms or whether they become another chapter in the complex power dynamics that have long characterized Kenya’s institutional landscape.

The allegations against Atwoli, if proven true, would represent not just a personal failing but a systemic breakdown in the checks and balances that should govern democratic institutions.

For a movement built on principles of worker solidarity and collective action, such accusations strike at the very heart of organized labor’s credibility and moral authority.

As investigations into these claims potentially unfold, the Kenyan labor movement faces a critical juncture that will test its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the democratic principles upon which effective trade unionism depends.