COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has delivered one of his most hardhitting political assessments yet, throwing his weight firmly behind President William Ruto while warning would be challengers to reassess themselves.
Appearing on a local TV station, Atwoli said Kenya missed its “Singapore moment” due to fear and resistance to development, admitting he was once among those who opposed the affordable housing agenda.
“We are late. We would have gone to Singapore many years ago,” Atwoli said.
“I was one of those who opposed affordable housing, but when I went to Kisumu and Kakamega, I couldn’t believe it. Affordable housing has changed the whole scenario.”
He argued that Kenya’s progress requires bold leadership, openly praising President William Ruto.
“This country requires a brave leader,” Atwoli said.
“To change this country, we need brave leaders like William Ruto who are not afraid to tell anti-development individuals off.”
2027 politics: Rivals put on notice
On succession politics, the COTU boss dismissed suggestions that former President Uhuru Kenyatta could influence the 2027 outcome.
“Uhuru Kenyatta could not make Raila Odinga president. How can he make Fred Matiang’i president?” Atwoli posed.
“Even if Uhuru were to run again in 2027, he would not beat William Ruto.”
He warned Fred Matiang’i to rethink his ambitions.
“Matiang’i is best suited to be an enforcer,” Atwoli said bluntly, adding that those planning to challenge President Ruto “must reassess themselves.”
Former Chief Justice David Maraga did not escape Atwoli’s sharp tongue.
“Maraga is an old man like me who lives in his own world,” he said.
On Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Atwoli struck a cautious tone but raised doubts about his national appeal.
“I am not demeaning Gachagua. He is an accomplished administrator,” Atwoli said.
“But is he an accomplished politician? Saying he is a kingpin of Central Kenya—can he be a president?”
Raila, opposition and Kalonzo
Atwoli insisted that Raila Odinga remains the unrivalled face of opposition politics in Kenya.
“After Raila Odinga, there is no opposition in Kenya. The rest are masqueraders,” he said.
While praising Kalonzo Musyoka’s character, Atwoli questioned his suitability as opposition leader.
“Kalonzo is a good man, a diplomat, a man you can trust with anything,” Atwoli said.
“But he is not best suited to lead the opposition in this country. If Kenyans want, he can be president.”
He further blamed former President Uhuru Kenyatta for Raila Odinga’s loss in the 2022 General Election.
“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta was responsible for Raila’s loss in 2022,” Atwoli stated.
Backed by labour movement
Atwoli’s remarks come at a time when his grip on the labour movement remains firm. The long-serving unionist was recently endorsed unanimously by all COTU affiliate secretaries-general to continue serving as COTU Secretary General, a position he has held since 2001.
The interview has sparked widespread debate, with Atwoli’s forthright comments seen as both a ringing endorsement of President Ruto and a stern warning to political hopefuls eyeing 2027.
