Raila, Atwoli differ over Ruto's 'mambo ni matatu' threats

By Peter Ochieng

Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Leader Raila Odinga and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli differed bitterly, over president William Ruto's threats to corruption suspects.

During his Western region tour this week, Ruto warned that his administration will not tolerate people he called 'thieves,' urging them to 'change, leave the country or go to heaven' in what has since been christened mambo ni matatu (three things).

He warned that his government will jail all 'thieves' especially those in the sugar sector if they fail to tore the line.

Speaking in Vihiga county during the burial of former COTU chairman Rajabu Mwondi on Saturday, Odinga said Ruto's language was 'unpresidential and unbecoming.'

He cheekily told Atwoli to advise his friend the president against such utterances.

"If someone powerful gives a person three options, is that good leadership? We do not want to witness such threats. That is careless talk. Atwoli tell your friend to cease. We do not want such talk. We want to move on in peace, love and unity," said Odinga.

Francis Atwoli backed Odinga's 2022 presidential bid.

He vigorously campaigned for him across the country.

The COTU SG has since declared full support for president Ruto and his administration.

In response to Raila, Atwoli said the tough talk from the president will go a long way in boosting the fight against corruption.

"Ruto is saying what Kenyans want to hear. There are so many people engaged in graft and they need such a person to deal with them and we will push him to deal with them. This country is bigger than all of us," said the long time COTU SG.

Odinga accused Atwoli of 'going to bed' with president Ruto's administration, instead of coming out strongly to fight for the plight of workers facing economic hardships, due to high cost of living.

The former Prime Minister said Atwoli should have been at the fore-front of anti-government protests against the high cost of living, early this year.

However, Atwoli dismissed Odinga's sentiments, stating that the opposition should accept the fact that Ruto is the president, and move on.

The two leaders sat side by side and seemingly had a good time 'off mic.'