Nairobi — The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) has sought appointment with top two political leaders to discuss current crisis. They warned that a third force might emerge.

Cotu Secretary General, Mr Francis Atwoli, said over 500,000 workers would lose their jobs following the post-election skirmishes as the fighting was spilling over to industries.

The revelations follow a crisis meeting by 36 general secretaries of Cotu affiliates on Wednesday. They demanded for an immediate meeting with embattled President Kibaki and ODM leader, Mr Raila Odinga.

"Finlay Kenya has laid off 10,000 workers, Unilever is now closed, putting jobs of 20,000 people in the balance. In Mombasa 30,000 workers are not working and many more are not reporting to their stations due to fear," said Atwoli.

He added: "Most hotels in Mombasa are closed and the tourist hotels have no customers. In Kisumu, 100 workers were killed and in Kericho, 20 died."

"Unions and employers are concerned with massive job losses. This is no longer a post-election problem since even those who voted for the same party are fighting among themselves," he said.

"If the crisis continues, we fear that a third force may come up and complicate the situation ... this is how war torn countries started," warned unionists.

"We have been taken hostage by two top leaders. Our image is getting tattered internationally and the crisis is creating poverty and uncertainty," Atwoli decried.

He went on: "This is Kenyan political problem and must be solved by Kenyans despite involvement of international mediators," urged the unionist.

He also warned leaders against public utterances that would keep away international mediators or inflame tribal passions.

"Annan could not come amid the tough talks from some quarters that Kenya did not need him. As a diplomat, he is suffering from a diplomatic flu, not real sickness," he said

He added: "Those who were not elected should not speak on the political issues of this country since they lack people's mandate and if you are a civil servant, keep quiet."