The Francis Atwoli-led Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Kenya has congratulated President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua on their inauguration as the leaders of this country.

COTU through a statement issued on Wednesday said Ruto’s speech underscored reconciliation and hope, ventures the organisation supports.

“The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K) joins Kenyans in celebrating and congratulating His Excellency President William S. Ruto and his Deputy His Excellency Hon. Rigathi Gachagua on their inauguration,” COTU said.

“In his inaugural speech, President Ruto was full of reconciliation and hope and as COTU (K) we ourselves with his resolution and assurance of working with all Kenyans from the political divide in building a united and prosperous Kenya.”

COTU expressed its support for Ruto to unite and reconcile the country, especially after the elections. COTU also called upon all Kenyans to come together and help achieve the goal.

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“As workers, we support the President's call for unity and reconciliation as we hope and trust, and call upon, other Kenyans of goodwill to have all hands on deck. At such times, it's wisdom to remember that Kenya is bigger than all of us and especially those who were involved in the political campaigns and bickering,” the statement read.

The organisation emphasised Ruto’s statement ought to be taken seriously while noting that workers, women and children bear the brunt of whenever the country is polarised.

“It is important to note that at any given time when Kenyans have failed to move in one direction, a problem has always occurred and those who have suffered the most have been workers, children and women. Therefore, the inaugural speech by President Ruto must be taken seriously as it plants a sense of hope in Kenyans,” the statement read in part.

COTU affirmed its stand and readiness to work with Ruto as it is its tradition to work with the government of the day to promote unity and the welfare of Kenyan workers.

According to COTU, it is only through unity that the country can enjoy mechanisms the government puts in place to spur economic growth.

“As it has been our tradition to work with the government of the day which provides an environment where workers through COTU (K), employers through (FKE) and the government through the Ministry of Labour work in a tripartite structure, COTU (K) remains ready to work with the administration of President William Ruto to promote unity and the rights and welfare of Kenyan workers,” COTU said.

“It is only through unity that the Government of Kenya can put in place mechanisms to spur economic growth and hence improve the terms and conditions of workers.”