COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has sparked fresh political debate after issuing a stern warning to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i over his perceived association with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking during an interview on JKL Live on Citizen Television, hosted by Jeff Koinange, Atwoli cautioned Matiang’i against placing too much trust in Uhuru’s political backing ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Atwoli, recent history offers a clear lesson. He pointed to the 2022 General Election, when Uhuru Kenyatta openly supported the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, yet failed to secure him the presidency despite being the sitting Head of State at the time.
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Atwoli argued that if Uhuru could not deliver victory for Raila while still wielding state power, it would be unrealistic for anyone to believe he could single-handedly make Matiang’i president in 2027.
“Atwoli said Kenyan politics is driven by the will of the people, not political endorsements alone,” noting that leaders must build their own grassroots support rather than relying on political kingmakers.
His remarks have generated widespread reactions, with some viewing them as a reality check for Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions, while others see them as a broader warning to politicians banking on elite alliances instead of voter mobilization.
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