‘Regulate social media!’ – Atwoli, Mudavadi Tell Ruto Amid Increased Online Activism
Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), has recommended regulating social media in order to combat the growing misuse of these platforms.
Atwoli, speaking at the COTU Shop Stewards Meeting on Saturday, April 5, urged members of the public to tone down their criticism.
He cautioned that social media abuse could deter potential investors.
The COTU chief warned that the dissemination of misinformation and propaganda on social media could inspire violence.
He believes it could also lead to conflicts similar to those seen in several African countries, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Somalia and South Sudan.
“Those on social media must stop propaganda. You must love this country; if you do not love it, investors will go away,” Atwoli said.
Francis Atwoli: Social media, itabidii mwache propaganda. Ni lazima mpende nchi hii. Msipopenda nchi hii, waajiri wataenda… itabidi tuulize serikali iregulate social media.#COTUSHOPSTEWARDSMEETING #Workersvoice pic.twitter.com/uVGY0OKE82
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) April 5, 2025
“You will begin fights and end up like Sudan and Congo. You cannot even go to Goma or other countries engaged in war.
“In Somalia, they have never had a stable government, and we do not want to take that route. Now, it will force us to tell the government to regulate social media,” he added.
Atwoli asked President William Ruto’s administration to follow the lead of other countries, such as China, in regulating internet platforms.
The Asian country now controls social media sites like TikTok and WhatsApp.
The unions expressed specific concern about TikTok, citing its misuse, particularly by kids.
He said that minors illegally used the video-sharing network to watch unethical videos.
“It is a must we regulate social media because sometimes these children access apps such as TikTok, which show unethical videos. I want to tell you the truth—these platforms must be regulated,” Atwoli emphasised.
Atwoli’s views follow those of Noordin Haji, Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Haji warned the people against misusing social media, calling it a major danger to national and regional security.
The NIS chief warned that the growth in social media misuse might destabilise the country and plunge it into chaos.
He was speaking to security stakeholders at the Mashariki Cooperation Conference in Naivasha, Nakuru County, on Thursday, April 3.
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While free speech remained a pillar of the country’s democracy, the NIS chief emphasized the importance of striking a balance between free expression and national security.
“Across the continent, we have seen a considerable increase in the use of social media platforms for advocacy and mobilization for civil actions,” Haji stated.
“However, this has led to the emergence of coordinated and sustained misinformation and disinformation.”
“The misinformation and disinformation are aimed at misguiding citizens, leading them to make poor decisions and shaping their perceptions of their governments,” he added.
‘Regulate social media!’ – Atwoli, Mudavadi Tell Ruto Amid Increased Online Activism
