Engage leaders on issues not hate, Atwoli urges Kenyans

The Cotu boss appealed to young people on social media to stop spreading hate against leaders.

by JAMES MBAKA

News05 April 2025 - 14:43

In Summary

Atwoli appealed to young people on social media to stop spreading hate against leaders and instead focus on addressing the country's challenges.
“Even if you don’t like me, don’t hate me. Discuss my shortcomings, the things I cannot deliver, the inequities,” he said.

Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has called for the regulation of social media and urged Kenyans to engage their leaders on substantive issues rather than personalized attacks.

Speaking at a trade unions' stewards' meeting on April 5, Atwoli appealed to young people on social media to stop spreading hate against leaders and instead focus on addressing the country's challenges.

"Kenya is a satellite of economic activities in the region. On social media, you will need to shorten the propaganda, you must love this country. If you don't love this country, employers will leave. If not, you will start fighting each other," Atwoli said.

The veteran trade unionist also called on those pushing for his retirement to evaluate his capabilities rather than being driven by hate.

“If you hate your country, you hate yourself. Engage leaders on issues, not with hate. Discuss what I can’t deliver. ‘Does this old man, Francis Atwoli, still have the capacity?’” Atwoli said, addressing the grassroots union leaders.

“Even if you don’t like me, don’t hate me. Discuss my shortcomings, the things I cannot deliver, the inequities,” he added.

Atwoli noted that many people attack their leaders not based on their manifesto or vision but out of malice and hatred.

"Kenyans claim to be a God-fearing nation, yet people harbour hate. God's people do not harbour hate.”

The Cotu boss also challenged his officials to assess his capacity and integrity rather than focus on the personalized attacks circulating on social media.

“Talk about Francis Atwoli. Does he have the capacity and integrity, or is he going around firms being bribed?” he said. “Don’t hate me as a person and then go on social media asking when I will die. One of them wrote that last year, but they ended up dying.”

Atwoli also urged Kenyans to embrace love and positivity, asserting that hate leads to poverty and rejection.

"Those who don’t succeed in life hate others. You cannot succeed or receive blessings if you hate others. Wish others well, and God will bless you,” he said.

Atwoli expressed gratitude to the grassroots unionists for their continued support, affirming that he will always be grateful and will keep working for their betterment.