Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) SG Francis Atwoli has dismissed reports that he was looking for a job in the Azimio coalition.
Speaking on Saturday when he addressed the Shop Stewards meeting in Nairobi, Atwoli said he was in Azimio to fight for slots for workers.
He said Cotu deals with policy issues and cannot do it alone without the help of the government.
He said being in Azimio was a resolution which had been made by the entire Cotu leadership team.
"People are saying Atwoli has joined government, Cotu is not an affiliate of government, it is not even a department but when the government comes we protect you people and to protect you we need their police, we need their services we need everything, we cannot go solo," he said.
"I was not looking for a job in Azimio, there were slots for workers I was fighting for so I had to go back to the office and I announced I had gone back to the office."
He said after President William Ruto took over office, the Cotu team agreed to meet with the Head of State to forge a way forward for the workers of this country, a meeting he said, he never attended alone.
During the meeting with President Ruto, Atwoli said the first request to the Head of State was to grace the 2023 May 1 Labour Day celebrations, a request he accepted.
"The second thing, since independence, no Kenyan President has addressed an international labour conference in Geneva. He came with us to Geneva in June recognising the request from the entire Cotu," Atwoli said.
He further disclosed that the third request was for the President to open the Africa conference which was taking place in Nairobi in November at Safari Park.
The President agreed to officially open the conference and offered his financial support to ensure the success of the event.
"I told him in other countries we go to the government to support visitors like these, what are you supporting us with? He sent Sh10 million to Safari Park," Atwoli said.
He noted that the President is already in receipt of the invitation to grace this year's Labour Day celebrations next month.
