Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has dismissed calls for Kenya to embrace younger political leaders, arguing that the country is better off under experienced senior leaders.

Speaking during the official opening of the Third Edition of the Employment and Labour Relations Court Annual Symposium (ELRASE III) in Nairobi, Atwoli defended the dominance of veteran leaders in national politics.

Atwoli, who has served as COTU boss for 24 years, argued that seasoned leadership ensures continuity, stability, and strong governance.

“Let no one tell you that this country needs young leaders. Nowhere in the world. How old is Donald Trump? Even the Italian president is 93, and he has to be assisted to the podium. Even me, why do you think workers in Kenya have stuck with me all these years? They don’t want to let me go,” Atwoli said.

Away from leadership debates, Atwoli also emphasized the importance of protecting children’s rights by empowering parents with dignified livelihoods.

“We have advocated for stronger social protections, and we know the best way to protect a child is to ensure that the parents have dignified livelihoods,” he added.

Atwoli’s remarks come amid growing public discourse on whether Kenya should usher in a new era of youthful leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.