At 75, Francis Atwoli, the long-serving Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu), faces mounting scrutiny over his tenure.

Despite his age, Atwoli’s supporters argue he remains vibrant and essential to Kenya’s labour movement.

“He may seem the oldest locally, but globally, he’s among the youngest trade union leaders,” said Moses Ndiema, a Cotu board member, on Tuesday. “We love him, and the board’s decision to back Atwoli is firm.”