Editor's Review

COTU cautioned workers against participating in the holiday to keep their jobs.

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has cautioned workers against observing the 'public holiday' sanctioned on Monday, March 20, by ODM leader Raila Odinga.

In an official statement, the unions' umbrella warned that by participating in the holiday, workers would be risking their jobs.

The organisation implied that the holiday was illegal and should be overlooked by workers who want to keep their jobs.

"“As the umbrella body for workers, we wish to remind workers to secure their jobs by reporting to their workstations.

“We urge workers to refrain from participating in any activities that may jeopardize their employment status,' said Ben Okwaro, COTU's deputy secretary general.

COTU instead called for a dialogue between the government and the opposition so as a condusive business environment can be created.

On Tuesday last week, Raila declared Monday, March 20, 2023, a public holiday during which mass action will be undertaken across the country.

Speaking during a rally in Siaya, Raila agreed to Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua’s request to declare March 20, 2023, a public holiday.

“I hereby declare in the name of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance that Monday the 20th of March will be a public holiday,” said Raila.

Raila Odinga declared March 20 a public holiday.

The former Prime Minister at the same time told off the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) who appealed to him to postpone the March 20 anti-government demonstrations. 

“A group of the clergy through the NCCK have appealed to me to postpone the Monday protest match. I want to tell them in response that we the people of Azimio came to the conclusion that we need to have a protest match after our ultimatum was completely ignored," he stated.