Nairobi

COTU Chief Atwoli Blames Uhuru Kenyatta for Raila’s 2022 Electoral Loss

NAIROBI, KENYA — The Secretary General of Kenya’s Central Organization of Trade Unions has pointed fingers at former President Uhuru Kenyatta for the 2022 presidential election outcome, as internal strife within the Orange Democratic Movement intensifies nearly three months following the death of its founding leader.

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Francis Atwoli made the remarks during a television appearance on Citizen TV Wednesday evening, January 7, asserting that Kenyatta’s involvement in Raila Odinga’s presidential campaign lacked the vigor necessary for electoral success, despite his public endorsement of the Azimio la Umoja coalition candidate.

“The former Head of State bears responsibility for the 2022 outcome. Constitutional amendments to accommodate him would not guarantee victory. Should Uhuru contest in 2027, he would fail to defeat President Ruto. Electoral defeat requires acceptance,” Atwoli stated during the broadcast.

Campaign Coordination Questioned

The veteran labor leader contended that Kenyatta failed to mobilize critical stakeholders and organize the machinery supporting Odinga’s presidential ambitions effectively.

Atwoli’s assessment suggested that while Kenyatta maintained a public posture of support for the veteran opposition figure, he never implemented meaningful strategies to unify and direct campaign operations.

Warning Issued to Matiang’i

The COTU boss also directed cautionary remarks toward Fred Matiang’i, the former Cabinet Secretary for Interior, who recently assumed the position of Deputy Party Leader within Jubilee Party and has announced presidential ambitions with Kenyatta’s apparent endorsement.

“Uhuru projected support for Baba, yet never assembled the frontline campaigners for coordination meetings. Now reports indicate he’s promoting Matiang’i for the presidency. Without careful navigation, Uhuru won’t deliver the presidency to Matiang’i. If he couldn’t secure it for Raila, how will he achieve it for Matiang’i?” Atwoli questioned.

ODM Faces Internal Turmoil

These statements emerge as the Orange Democratic Movement confronts significant internal fragmentation, with competing camps disagreeing over positions adopted by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and fellow party officials who have publicly rejected supporting the government of national unity that includes ODM representation.

As tensions mounted, party elder Oburu Odinga conducted a meeting with the controversial Secretary General aimed at resolving the deepening rift within party ranks.

Oburu issued a statement confirming their Wednesday consultation at the party headquarters in Nairobi, emphasizing efforts to restore unity, facilitate dialogue, and strengthen cohesion among ODM leadership.

Sifuna faces mounting criticism from certain party quarters, with some members advocating for his ouster following his unwavering position and consistent condemnation of the coalition government arrangement.

Nevertheless, Oburu defended the Nairobi Senator, characterizing him as a measured and principled leader whose dedication to democratic values commands respect throughout the party structure.

His comments seemingly rejected efforts to silence the vocal Senator, stressing the critical importance of unfettered expression and robust internal discussion within the Orange Democratic Movement.

The unfolding developments signal continued uncertainty within Kenya’s opposition landscape as various factions position themselves ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.