Atwoli 'reads riot act to politicians he supported'

By Peter Ochieng

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli on Saturday expressed dissatisfaction with some of the politicians he supported and reportedly sponsored ahead of the August, 2022 polls.

Speaking in Vihiga county, the vocal COTU boss said some of the politicians he supported in the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya formation, have refused to accept that elections are over.

He threatened to recall them from their positions, if they refuse to accept and move on.

"It is time we stop living in denial. Accept and move on but for those I supported, expect me to recall you," threatened Atwoli.

It must however  be noted that the constitution only allows a politician to be recalled by electorates of his/her area, but not an individual who supported or sponsored them.

The COTU boss backed Azimio leader Raila Odinga's 5th presidential bid, and even campaigned for him around the country.

But he quickly shifted his support to president William Ruto, stating that he can't fight for workers plight and at the same time be against the government.

Atwoli said no politician in Azimio today has the right to criticise him over his move to support the government of the day.

"You can't tell me that you can be the best in that Azimio camp than me. We even had the system to clinch the power in 2022, but president Ruto passed us like people at the stage waiting for a matatu."

He spoke during the burial of the departed COTU chairman Rajabu Mwondi, where he met Odinga, at least publicly for the first time since the August 2022 polls.

The vibrant COTU boss told Odinga to his face, that failure to pick agents across the country cost him the presidency.

"We pushed Ruto out of the system and we had all it takes to ensure we take the government but we failed."

Before the polls, Atwoli stated that Ruto would never lead this country as president.

Ruto won the presidential race with 7.1 million votes, against Odinga's 6.9 million.