The online exchange between two seasoned Kenyan leaders, Francis Atwoli and Kivutha Kibwana, has captivated the nation’s attention, leaving many eager to see what unfolds next.
It all started when former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana congratulated COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli on the birth of his child with Mary Kilobi. However, Kibwana didn’t stop there—he cheekily suggested that Atwoli should take paternity leave and also reflect on trade union leadership and the concept of term limits.
Atwoli, never one to back down, hit back with a sharp response:
“We are age mates, and I just saw you being appointed as a Professor of Law at Daystar University the other day. So Prof, make me understand—when does your profession come to an end? Can a professor really stop teaching and writing? When will you stop engaging your mind?”
With that, Atwoli made it clear that leadership isn’t about age but about continued relevance and contribution.
This back-and-forth has reignited a larger debate—should trade union leaders have term limits, or is experience the ultimate qualification? While some see Kibwana’s point as a call for new leadership, Atwoli’s supporters argue that his longevity is proof of his impact.
With both men holding their ground, the scoreboard stands at Atwoli 1 – Kibwana 1. Will there be a tiebreaker? Kenyans are watching!
