Atwoli warns workers against Raila’s mass action as High Court rules on “Monday public holiday”
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Atwoli-led COTU cautions workers against skipping work on Monday as declared a "public holiday" by Raila Odinga
Atwoli-led COTU cautions workers against skipping work on Monday as declared a “public holiday” by Raila Odinga.
As the country gears up for protests slated for Monday, March 20, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), chaired by Francis Atwoli, called for a peaceful truce between the administration and the opposition.
The COTU encouraged conversation between President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a remedy for the escalating political tensions in a statement released by the deputy secretary general, Benson Okwaro on Saturday, March 18.
“We appeal to both parties to engage in active dialogue and find a long-lasting solution that will promote economic development in the country,” Okwaro stated.
COTU also cautioned its members against absconding from work on the demo day since it is not a public holiday.
“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,” noted Benson Okwaro.
COTU boss, Francis Atwoli and his deputy decamped from Azimio La Umoja to support the government.
Atwoli, who heavily criticized Ruto before the 2022 General Election, reached a truce with President Ruto forgiving each other.
Cotu’s cautionary statement comes amidst a backdrop of a heightened political environment in the country.
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The opposition chief Raila Odinga declared Monday a “public holiday,” although only the Interior Cabinet Secretary has the authority to declare a public holiday, according to the law.
Meanwhile, the High Court has declared Raila Odinga’s Monday public Holiday non-existent in an urgent suit filed by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
“I have perused the pleadings and have not found any gazette notice by the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Interior declaring Monday a public holiday as per Section 3 of the public holiday’s act,” Justice Hedwig Ong’undi said Friday in preliminary findings.
She slated a mention for Tuesday to consider further arguments by parties.
Sonko had sued Raila Odinga for unlawfully taking away powers delegated to the Interior Cabinet Secretary in an application filed at 4 pm on Friday.
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