COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has ignited a fierce public backlash after urging President William Ruto to regulate social media in Kenya, likening the proposed restrictions to China’s stringent controls.

Addressing a packed Labour Day celebration at Uhuru Gardens, with the President and other senior government officials in attendance, Atwoli declared that social media has become a haven for “unpatriotic voices” threatening national unity.

“We cannot allow social media to be used to incite and divide. We must regulate it, just like China has done,” Atwoli said from the podium, drawing both applause and jeers from parts of the crowd.

His comments come amid a highly charged political climate. The government is already under intense scrutiny following the reported arrests and forced disappearances of several youth activists in the wake of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z-led protests against the controversial Finance Bill.

Atwoli’s remarks were met with swift condemnation across online platforms, with Kenyans accusing him of endorsing authoritarian tactics to silence dissent.

“Social media is the last platform for young people to demand accountability. Regulating it means gagging the voice of the people,” tweeted activist Boniface Mwangi.

Opposition leaders and civil society groups echoed the sentiments. “Atwoli has betrayed the very workers he claims to represent,” said Haki Coalition chairperson Grace Muthoni. “Instead of championing rights, he’s now advocating for censorship.”

The hashtag #HandsOffSocialMedia began trending shortly after his speech, with thousands calling out what they viewed as a coordinated attempt by the state and its allies to clamp down on digital activism.

Despite the mounting criticism, Atwoli has not retracted his statement. Meanwhile, families of the missing youth activists continue to demand answers, further fueling public anger.

As the debate intensifies, all eyes are now on the Ruto administration, which has yet to issue a formal stance on the regulation proposal.