COTU Sec. General Francis Atwoli address mourners during burial service of Mzee Issac Omwangale at Mulwanda in Khwisero on September 9, 2022. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has urged Kenyans to uphold peace and support president-elect William Ruto's administration.

Atwoli said the union will be represented at Ruto's swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday 13 at Kasarani Stadium.

"We have accepted to be there and we will ask all workers to attend because Kenya is bigger than any individual and the country is bound to make huge strides if we stand together," he said.

Atwoli said Ruto outsmarted Azimio team because he had better political skills.

"I accompanied Raila Odinga in his campaigns and even thought he would win the presidency to a point that I asked Kenyans to get used to his voice. His reception was on another level but God's plans are greater," he said.

He said Kenyans ought to accept Ruto's presidency and support his leadership to ensure he delivers on his mandate.

"Our father is William Ruto, we must accept and have the country move forward. The president-elect also walked with Luhya leaders including Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetang'ula and Ababu Namwamba," said Atwoli.

He at the same time welcomed the election of Wetang'ula as National Assembly Speaker, saying; "It is a big position for our community and it elevates him to the third most powerful seat in the country in the country's leadership hierarchy."