Atwoli Backs Kalonzo as Kenya’s Opposition Leader
On Sunday, April 28, Francis Atwoli, the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), declared his support for Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka to take charge of the opposition.
While speaking at St Stephen’s ACK Church on Jogoo Road, Atwoli mentioned that he had already informed Azimio Leader Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta of his decision.
At the Labour Day Thanksgiving Prayer, Atwoli expressed his belief that someone else should take the lead in the opposition since Raila had lost presidential elections multiple times.
The leader of COTU disclosed that after Azimio’s defeat in the 2022 general election, he had met with Raila and Uhuru just once.
“In our last meeting after the election, I asked Kalonzo to lead the opposition because Raila had tried enough,” Atwoli spoke of the endorsement.
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Atwoli stated that after the meeting, he distanced himself from the coalition and fully endorsed President William Ruto’s administration.
He argued that, as a trade unionist, it was essential for him to participate in the government.
Atwoli, a member of the Azimio team, noted that President Ruto had managed to outmaneuver them in securing his presidency.
“When Azimio lost elections, I told Raila and Uhuru that Ruto was smarter than us. I could not understand how a sitting president could not deliver the presidency to Raila,” Atwoli explained.
Kalonzo, who was present at the Labour Thanksgiving service, did not confirm whether the meeting took place.
Kalonzo has previously proclaimed himself as the main opposition leader while Raila focuses on his position at the African Union Commission (AUC).
Raila has firmly stated that even if he secures a continental position, he will continue to stay involved in local politics.
Atwoli Backs Kalonzo as Kenya’s Opposition Leader