Atwoli Slams Nation Media Over Ruto Meeting Coverage

On Sunday, January 26, the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli launched a scathing attack on Nation Media Group for what he termed ‘bias in reporting.’

In a statement, Atwoli cited an article titled, “Atwoli’s Politics of Survival as He Hosts President at Home” which he said was not reflective of the nature of his politics.

“The portrayal of Francis Atwoli as someone who engages in “politics of survival” is both sensationalist and inaccurate,” the statement read.

Aside from reportedly being misrepresented, Atwoli also noted that the same publication had supposedly praised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after his recent meeting with NARC party leader Martha Karua in an article titled, “United Against Ruto.”

“This double standard reveals a troubling bias. The Nation seems to have taken a position against President Ruto and his administration, as evidenced by these two articles,” he added.

In his impassioned rant, Atwoli also insisted that COTU was an organisation committed to advancing the rights and welfare of workers, which he said was achieved through social dialogue.

He went on to explain that in order to achieve this social dialogue, engagement with the government of the day was necessary to ensure that labour issues were addressed. “This does not equate to political survival or partisanship but rather a pragmatic approach to securing workers’ interests,” he added.

“Our many achievements, including the negotiation of better wages, promotion of workers’ rights, and influencing labour policies, are testaments to this commitment.”

Atwoli also accused the media house of betraying essential principles of journalism including; impartiality, neutrality, and fairness by reportedly wishing failure to the government.

He also cautioned that the publication could lead to the incitement of the public by pitting them against the government. In that regard, he urged the Nation to declare its stance on the bias going forward.

“If The Nation has chosen to oppose the government of the day, it should be transparent about this bias. However, opposing the government should not be conflated with holding it accountable. The former undermines patriotism, while the latter is a civic duty,” he said.

To conclude his statement, Atwoli reaffirmed that he would keep engaging with President William Ruto and his government for the spirit of social dialogue and mutual cooperation.

“Our commitment to improving the lives of workers remains unwavering, and we urge The Nation to uphold the principles of fair and balanced reporting in its coverage,” he concluded.