ATWOLI BLAMES UHURU KENYATTA FOR RAILA'S LOSS IN 2022.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has blamed former President Uhuru Kenyatta in part for Raila Odinga's loss in the 2022 General Election, amid rising friction inside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), close to three months since the death of the former Prime Minister.
In an interview aired on Citizen TV on the evening of Wednesday, January 7, Atwoli stated that even though Uhuru publicly endorsed Raila's presidential run, he failed to engage sufficiently in the effort, which played a major role in the Azimio coalition's defeat.
“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta was responsible for Raila’s loss in 2022. Even if we were to amend the Constitution to accommodate him, that would not make him a winner. Even if Uhuru were to run in 2027, he would not beat President Ruto. After elections, we must accept that we are defeated,” Atwoli said.
The veteran trade unionist asserted that Uhuru did not sufficiently mobilize crucial figures and campaign groups supporting Raila. Atwoli argued that while the ex-president gave the impression of backing Raila, he neglected to organize meetings or actively unite the frontline campaigners.
Atwoli went on to caution former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who was lately appointed Deputy Party Leader in the Jubilee Party and has announced his presidential ambitions with Uhuru's apparent support.
“Uhuru appeared to be supporting Baba, but at no point did he convene a meeting with the people who were on the frontline campaigning for Raila. I now hear he is saying he wants Matiang’i to be President. If Matiang’i is not careful with his own moves, Uhuru will not make him President. If he did not make Raila, how can he make Matiang’i president?”
