Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has accused his fellow trade unionists of being keen to gain selfish benefits from their roles.
He said this in a tribute to Wellington Mwondi, the former Chairman General of COTU who died on August 16.
Atwoli referred to some people in the trade union sphere as “opportunists” adding that they have turned their backs on the plight of workers.
According to the COTU boss, very few trade unionists are committed to the ideals of true trade unionism of representing the interests of workers.
“As of now, I’m worried as most labour leaders we have, not only in Kenya but Africa, are opportunists and very few are committed to the ideals of true trade unionism,” he wrote.
He added that the death of Mwondi left a gap in Kenyan trade unionism, citing his commitment to his role in his long-standing sting at the umbrella body of trade unions.
While recounting his years of service at the central trade union body, Atwoli likened Mwondi’s service to the way “a hen shields her chicks from a hawk”.
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Source of strength
He went on to explain the way Mwondi inspired him to become the trade unionist he is today driven by the determination to fight for his constituents.
“To date, my strength in the Labour Movement has been drawn from the Chairman,” he stated.
Despite the gap left by Mwondi, Atwoli expressed his optimism for a bright future in trade unionism, citing the group of members mentored by the former chairman.
“But even as we bid farewell to this titan of the labor movement, we find solace in the knowledge that chairman Rajabu Wellington Mwondi’s legacy lives on, not just in the memories of those who knew but in the foundations of the labor movement he helped to shape,” he added.
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Long Standing Service
Mwondi’s tenure in COTU spanned over 20 years, making him the longest-serving official.
He was first elected to the position of COTU’s second Vice Chairperson General in 1986, a position he held for eleven years before assuming the role of the body’s first Vice Chairperson General in 1997.
In 2003, Mwondi rose to the position of COTU’s Chairman General and went on to hold the position over four consecutive elections.
His legacy as trade unionist has been visible as was confirmed in 2010 when he was awarded with the Moran of the Burning Spear title.
His tenure saw him serve closely with Atwoli hence the close relationship as signified in the tribute.
