Omtatah responds to Atwoli over presidential bid financing

By Peter Ochieng

Busia Senator Okoiti Okiya Omtatah has responded to COTU-K Secretary General Francis Atwoli over presidential race financing. Omtatah continues to make ‘inroads’ on social media as one of the people expected to compete against President William Ruto, in the 2027 presidential race.

Appearing on Citizen TV’s JKL Show on Wednesday night, Atwoli said he can only support Omtatah’s presidential bid, after he shows him his campaign budget.

“If he came to me, I would tell him, let me see your budget. Are you going to depend on well-wishers, or what do you have as a person? Because when you are emerging for a political position, you must have saved. The world over, nobody wants to be associated with a poor person,” Atwoli stated.

In response, Omtatah via a post on social media said leadership is about ideology, and not the amount of money one puts in, in a given campaign.

“Leadership is about vision, integrity, and the will to serve,” he responded.

“Ordinary Kenyans, not wealth or privilege, are the backbone of any true movement for change. We will prove that a people-powered campaign can inspire hope and deliver a better future for all.”

Kenyans who reacted to his response urged him on, telling him to ignore Atwoli and his ilk.

“That they sent @AtwoliDza out there is enough indication that your candidature scares them. When Atwoli says you are winning, know you are not. If in doubt, look for what he said about Azimio. Keep on selling your agenda, the people will decide and with over 80% of Kenyans saying the nation is heading in the wrong direction, Atwoli and his masters will be shocked,” said Anwar Saddat.

“Kenyans should stop listening to the likes of Atwoli. He sings to the tune of every government. The workers are poorly paid while he is living big!!” added inz. Ndolo.

Jasper Machogu said, “My president! I will sell a few chickens to support your campaign.”

Omtatah, a renown human rights activist is serving his first term as Busia Senator.