TRANSPARENCY AND LEGALITY QUESTIONS OVER COTU (K) ELECTIONS AND GOVERNANCE PROCESSES

By Bruno Aero Family Media Staff Writer

Date: 26th March 2026

Mtetezi - The Grassroots Economic Justice Movement  

Mr Francis Awino Movement Convener has serious Emphasize with concerns regarding the transparency, legality, and accountability of recent elections conducted by the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Kenya.

On 4th November 2025, a formal request was submitted seeking audited financial statements (2021 - 2024),  governance records, and election preparation materials pursuant to Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act. The request was neither acknowledged nor responded to within the statutory timelines, and no reasons for non-disclosure have been provided to date.

The absence of this information preceded the March 2026 COTU Delegates Conference in Kisumu, where elections were conducted without public disclosure of key processes, including election timelines, delegate lists, nomination procedures, and oversight mechanisms.

Following the conference, Francis Atwoli was declared Secretary General, with steps underway toward formal recognition of the officials.

A constitutional petition has therefore been filed challenging both the continued non-disclosure of information and the conduct of the electoral process. The Petition seeks the following reliefs:

A declaration that the refusal and/or failure to provide access to audited financial statements, governance records, and electoral documents is unconstitutional and in violation of Article 35

A declaration that the elections were conducted in contravention of the Constitution and applicable statutory requirements

An order restraining the registration and/or recognition of officials arising from the impugned electoral process.

An order compelling full disclosure of audited accounts, governance