Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) boss Francis Atwoli has told off former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana after a comment over his tenure at the trade union.
Kibwana who had congratulated Atwoli for the birth of his son with journalist Mary Kilobi said he should be given a ‘deserved’ paternity leave.
He then said that during the paternity leave, they should also discuss whether Cotu or trade union leadership should be without term limits.
“I heartily congratulate the Atwoli family for the new arrival in their family. Cotu (K) should give their Secretary General a well deserved Paternity Leave during which they can also discuss: Should Cotu and trade union leadership be a life tenure affair?” wrote on X.
In his response, Atwoli said that over the years he has fought to ensure all Kenyan workers get paternity leave as part of his work to bring about the five sets of labour laws.
He went on to say that he is agemates with the Professor of Law, and he was recently appointed a professor in one of the universities in Kenya.
He asked Kibwana to make him understand when a professor’s profession comes to an end.
“Thanks Prof! First, I have fought for Kenyan workers to receive paternity leave as part of my work to bring about the five (5) sets of Labour laws. You realize that these laws and the Constitution of Kenya 2010, as in Article 41, have empowered the Kenyan worker above all else in the region.
“Second, you and I are age mates. And I just saw you being appointed as a professor of Law at Daystar University the other day. So, prof, make me understand, when does your profession come to and end? Can a professor really stop reading, teaching and writing? When will you stop engaging your mind?” Atwoli posed.
Atwoli is the long-serving Cotu Secretary General, a
position he was first elected into in August 2001. He remains the SG to-date.
