- Atwoli said the President should appoint young people to the remaining positions.
- Ruto is yet to name the nominees to the office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of East African Community and ASAL.
Image: FAITH MATETE
Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli has supported President William Ruto's nomination of ODM members to his cabinet.
While highlighting their competency, Atwoli emphasised that there was no issue with the opposition collaborating with the President.
Speaking in Kisumu on Saturday, Atwoli urged Kenyans to trust the President's choices for the country's stability adding that the quality of those appointed is high.
"This is the kind of government we need," he said.
On Wednesday, Ruto incorporated four ODM members in his new-look cabinet and handed nominated MP John Mbadi the powerful National Treasury docket.
He also nominated former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho to head the ministry of Mining and Blue Economy.
Former Kakamega governor and ODM deputy leader Wycliffe Oparanya was nominated to the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME Development while Ugunja MP and National Assembly minority leader Opiyo Wandayi was handed the Energy and Petroleum docket.
Ruto is, however, yet to name the nominees to the office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of East African Community and ASAL.
Atwoli said the President should appoint young people to the remaining positions.
He added that if the President and ODM leader Raila Odinga decided that some of the people from Azimio should contribute to the country's stability then, he's not in a position to argue against it.
The trade unionist defended Raila from the ire of criticts who have condemned him for allowing his party members to join Ruto's cabinet.
Atwoli asserted that Raila has consistently acted in the best interest of Kenyans.
"Raila has never abandoned Kenyans, the freedom we enjoy today was worn through his efforts because he sacrificed greatly for this country and his past sacrifices deserve recognition," he told the media.
"Where were those criticising Raila when he fought for these freedoms? He and his family have endured much. It is time to reward him," Atwoli added.
He further affirmed Cotu's support for the Gen Z course and praised the youthful Kenyans for their activism.
Atwoli stressed the importance of mentoring the young people within labour movements to ensure a smooth transition and continued advocacy for labour rights.
He also called on the government and unions to reserve 10 per cent and 5 per cent of employment opportunities respectively for the youth.