NAIROBI – Kenya’s veteran trade union leader Francis Atwoli on Saturday threw his weight behind President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election agenda, signaling a major shift in the country’s political landscape as the administration seeks to consolidate support for its “Bottom-Up” economic model.
Speaking at a public event in Nairobi, Atwoli, the Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), praised Ruto as a “bold leader” capable of driving Kenya’s long-term growth.
Atwoli urged Kenyans to grant the President a second term to ensure the continuity of multi-billion shilling infrastructure projects and economic reforms currently underway.
The endorsement is significant given Atwoli’s previous role as a staunch critic of Ruto during the 2022 election cycle.
Analysts suggest the move reflects a tactical realignment of labor interests with the executive as the government navigates a complex fiscal environment marked by debt restructuring and tax reforms.
The presidency welcomed the support, noting that the administration remains focused on job creation and reducing the cost of living—issues that remain central to the political discourse ahead of the 2027 polls
