Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has raised alarm over the unchecked influence of social media, warning that it risks eroding Kenya’s societal values and destabilizing key institutions.
During Cotu’s annual prayer gathering, Atwoli criticized the growing trend of online discourse, which he said promotes disrespect, misinformation, and a culture of incitement among the youth. He stressed that without proper regulation and moral guidance, social media could undo decades of social and economic progress.
“We cannot build a future if our young people are constantly exposed to unfiltered, destructive content. Other countries have frameworks to protect their citizens online — why not us?” Atwoli posed, urging religious leaders to take an active role in the conversation.
He particularly singled out platforms like TikTok, noting that the kind of narratives being circulated often alienate young people from essential national institutions like trade unions.
Atwoli’s comments come as pressure mounts from various leaders for the government to step in and set up regulatory mechanisms for social media. Earlier this month, while addressing trade union stewards, he appealed to young Kenyans to stop using online platforms to fuel division and instead focus on addressing real societal challenges.
