Editor's Review

Wetangula claimed Atwoli only adorns gold ornaments and has been representing the face of capitalist obscenity in the labour movement

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula has hit out at the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli.

Through a statement on his Twitter page, the visible angry Wetangula described Atwoli as a "boisterous, opulent and irritant leader who has been at the helm of Kenyan Labour Movement but has failed the Kenyan workers.

According to the Ford Kenya party leader, Kenyans have nothing to be proud of during Labour Day celebrations adding that Atwoli, who only adorns gold ornaments has been representing the face of capitalist obscenity in the labour movement.

"Today is May Day! We celebrate the dignity of labour and the workers of the world. The Kenyan labour movement is led by a boisterous, opulent & irritant leader, adorning gold ornaments…Atwoli. He represents the ugly face of capitalist obscenity! Viva..viva!" read Wetangula's tweet.

This comes at a time when the Kenyan workers are marking Labour Day celebrations. The ceremony will be led by the COTU boss Francis Atwoli and will be presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta at Nyayo National Stadium.

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Atwoli has urged workers to come out in large numbers and attend the Sunday's event, saying this will show their unity and propel the government to improve their welfare and good working environment.

Atwoli also urged leaders and workers to urge their union members to elect a presidential candidate who will take care of their well being and interests as workers.

"We must tell our fellow workers that we must stand up and be counted because we must protect our Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and industrial freedom to choose our stewards...if you make a mistake, people will be appointed to union leadership without any elections. They will appoint leaders for you and it will be worse" stated Atwoli.

{COTU boss Francis Atwoli at a past function. Photo: Courtesy}

Atwoli said he has resisted any attempts by politicians to capture the workers union and that he has made such institutions to be free and independent.

"I speak my mind, it will not be easy to get members like us, they will buy everybody...if we vote well, then we will get a government that will be able to take into consideration our affairs both in parliament and outside parliament" he added.

Atwoli has been a fierce critic of Deputy President William Ruto and his UDA brigade, warning Kenyans against electing the second in command as their president come August.

His relationship with Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula also went south after the two announced their working pact with DP William Ruto