COTU boss urges control of social media to safeguard Kenya’s future
He stressed that the country cannot achieve meaningful development when social media is flooded with content that encourages division and disrespect for leadership.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has called for strict control of social media in Kenya, warning that unchecked online platforms could destabilise the country.
Speaking during the 60th annual COTU prayer service held at ACK St Stephen’s Church in Makadara, on Sunday, Atwoli said young people’s behaviour online must change to protect national unity and progress.
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Atwoli argued that if social media remains unregulated, it could cause serious harm to Kenya’s social, economic, and political fabric.
“This thing called social media is controlled in China. China has regulated TikTok despite being its product, not like here in Kenya. The church must speak about TikTok, the church must speak about social media, about YouTube. The church must take the lead,” he said.
He stressed that the country cannot achieve meaningful development when social media is flooded with content that encourages division and disrespect for leadership.
According to Atwoli, some of the most vocal young people on online platforms have never participated in the country’s workforce or been members of any labour organisations.
“Young men in social media have never worked anywhere. They have never been members of any trade union. You will see them commenting about trade unions, about the Labour Cabinet Secretary, talking about discrimination,” Atwoli said.
The COTU boss said the nation must be careful not to allow unrest to take root again, noting that Kenya has previously come close to dangerous political shifts. He cited the post-election crisis in 2007 and the recent Gen Z protests as examples of moments when the country was on the edge.
“Every country must go through a rebirth process. Kenya was almost going through a rebirth in 2007, and God rescued us. Recently, during the Gen Z demonstrations, we were going to witness another rebirth, but God helped us. I don’t think whether God will be with us in the third rebirth,” Atwoli said.
Atwoli also appealed to political leaders to steer clear of divisive rhetoric, urging them to prioritise efforts that will strengthen the economy and foster unity. He warned that a divided leadership risks slowing down Kenya’s progress at a time when stability is needed most.
Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwangolo Mwadime attended the service, standing in for Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua. Makadara MP George Aladwa was also present at the event, although he did not address the congregation, in keeping with the church’s rule barring politicians from speaking at the pulpit.
The prayer service came just days before the Labour Day celebrations scheduled for Thursday at Uhuru Gardens. President William Ruto is expected to grace the occasion as the chief guest. This year’s Labour Day celebrations will be held under the theme, “Self-reliance in production is the key to economic growth.”
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