‘If Kenya’s politics was being selected points, I might have been the president’ – Atwoli

‘If Kenya’s politics was being selected points, I might have been the president’ – Atwoli

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has dismissed plans for a brand new opposition alliance, warning that tribal politics continues to find out Kenya’s management.

In a press release launched on January 28, 2025, Atwoli, a former critic of President Ruto, responded to remarks made by leaders throughout the launch of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-Okay) headquarters in Karen, Nairobi.

During the occasion on January 27, 2025, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua flanked by different DAP-Okay leaders vowed to make sure President Ruto turns into a one-term president via partnerships with like-minded Kenyans and different events to liberate the nation from what he termed as dangerous governance, corruption, and dictatorship.

Consequently, in an area radio morning present on January 28, 2025, DAP-Okay chief Eugene Wamalwa further revealed that the occasion marked the start of their journey towards establishing another authorities.

“Yesterday was not just unveiling party headquarters. It was unveiling our new formation. It will be our new coalition and its new government,” Wamalwa stated.

However, Atwoli dismissed these plans, citing historic precedent.

“So many formations started when section 2 (a) was removed from our constitution in 1992 if you remember, the most powerful one of Jaramogi Odinga, Masinde Muliro, Matiba, Paul Muite, Charles Rubia, this was the strongest formation. Did it remove Moi from power? No,” Atwoli stated.

The COTU boss accused the leaders of making political formations for monetary good points.

“I was in Azimio, we had the largest formation like what they want to form now. All these types of formations you’re seeing are self-decorative formations; some for collecting money from sympathizers,” he added.

Atwoli attributed the scenario to Kenya’s tribal-based politics quite than issue-based governance.

“If Kenyan politics was being decided on issues, today Atwoli would be the president of the Republic of Kenya. Kenya’s politics is pinged and pegged on ethnicity. Once you organize tribes, you’re the president,” he stated.

He drew parallels with Raila Odinga’s expertise in forming the Azimio coalition earlier than the 2022 common elections.

“Ignore these people, they’re just joking. Have we seen any politician who can recruit and organize politicians like Raila? And has Raila become a president at any given time?” Atwoli requested.

Major political alliance

Speaking on January 28, 2025, Wamalwa famous that the leaders current on the occasion had been simply the preliminary representatives, as plans had been underway to welcome extra events into the coalition.

“Yesterday (Monday, January 27, 2025) was not just an unveiling party headquarters. It was unveiling our new formation. It will be our new coalition and its new government. The election journey started yesterday too, with the IEBC selection panel being set up. As the opposition, we say we want to give Kenyans a better option. As they broaden the government, we are also broadening the opposition,” he stated

“We are not limited to the four leaders you saw: Fred Matiang’i, Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, and ourselves. Others will also join us to form a winning coalition, which will be launched soon.”