By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 1 May 2026 - COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has raised concerns over the growing wave of political rallies across the country, warning that early campaigns risk dragging Kenya into unnecessary tension long before the 2027 elections.
Speaking during Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County, Atwoli urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to enforce electoral timelines and stop politicians from engaging in premature campaigns.
“We are very much concerned about the ongoing political rallies in this Republic,” Atwoli said.
“We urge the IEBC to put a stop to this menace, and ask Kenyans to wait until the IEBC releases the campaign calendar for next year’s elections.”
The veteran trade unionist warned that continued political mobilisation could deepen divisions in the country and eventually affect ordinary citizens, especially workers.
According to Atwoli, workers are often the biggest victims whenever political tensions escalate because they cannot escape the economic and social effects of instability.
“In any country where we have political turmoil or strife, it is workers, women, and children who suffer,” he said.
He further cautioned that even peaceful elections could leave lasting damage if political polarisation continues unchecked.
“At the end of the day, even if elections are carried out and whoever wins fairly, this polarisation might cause a problem in our country if we can’t put this to a stop,” he added.
Atwoli also took aim at opposition leaders, accusing some politicians of stirring tension while ordinary Kenyans bear the consequences.
“Workers cannot run away. These self-proclaimed leaders of the opposition, they will run away. You will not see them here. And they must be tamed by law,” he stated.
More from Kenya
The COTU boss linked political stability to economic growth, warning that ongoing infrastructure projects and economic reforms could easily be disrupted by constant political agitation.
At the same time, Atwoli used the Labour Day platform to push the government to speed up the ratification of two key International Labour Organisation conventions aimed at protecting workers.
He urged President William Ruto to fast-track ILO Convention 189 on domestic workers and Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the workplace.
“Your Excellency, to protect our domestic workers, let us also ratify ILO Convention 190, which addresses both harassment and violence in the workplace,” Atwoli said.
He noted that many countries had already adopted the treaties and argued that delays were undermining worker protections in Kenya.
“Anyone frustrating the ratification of these conventions is, in effect, frustrating the efforts of your government,” he added.
Atwoli also accused sections within the Ministry of Labour of slowing down reforms that could improve conditions for vulnerable workers, especially those in the informal sector.
Atwoli Raises Alarm Over Early Political Campaigns, Warns Workers Will Suffer Most
COTU Chief Tells IEBC to Rein In Politicians Over Premature Campaigning