Atwoli Casts Doubt on Uhuru’s Influence Ahead of Matiang’i’s 2027 Bid
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has publicly questioned former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s political influence, arguing that his failure to deliver the presidency for the late Raila Odinga in the 2022 General Election weakens his ability to back Fred Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s JKLive, Atwoli said Uhuru’s unclear involvement in Raila’s campaign created confusion among key campaign operatives, ultimately undermining efforts to secure victory.
“Uhuru Never Gave Direction” — Atwoli
Atwoli echoed earlier remarks made by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, stating that while Uhuru appeared to support Raila publicly, he failed to provide leadership to the campaign team on the ground.
“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,” Atwoli said.
“Maybe he was meeting Baba with about two or three people, but openly, he never came to see the brigade supporting Raila or give us a sense of direction.”
According to Atwoli, this lack of engagement left campaign teams uncertain about the true state of Uhuru’s backing.
“This is what Junet was explaining. You couldn’t know what was happening. Baba was an honest man; he couldn’t have received the money and failed to pay agents,” he added.
Doubts Over Uhuru Backing Matiang’i
Turning to current political realignments, Atwoli questioned Uhuru’s reported endorsement of Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i, warning that political goodwill without grassroots control is not enough to win the presidency.
“I now hear he is saying he wants Matiang’i to be President,” Atwoli said.
“If Matiang’i is not careful with his own moves, Uhuru will not make him the President.”
He posed a blunt political question:
“If he didn’t make Raila president, how can he make Matiang’i president?”
Atwoli further challenged Uhuru’s local political clout, noting Jubilee’s poor performance even in Uhuru’s backyard.
“Even in his constituency, if he couldn’t get an MCA of Jubilee or an MP?” he asked.
“Wishing Is Not the Same as Having Power”
According to the COTU Secretary General, Uhuru may have desired Raila’s victory but lacked the political muscle to make it happen.
“He might have wished Raila to be president, but he didn’t have the ability to make him president,” Atwoli said.
“Wishing and having the ability are two very different things.”
ODM Not Dead, Says Atwoli
Atwoli also addressed claims that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was declining following Raila Odinga’s death, dismissing such assertions as premature.
“It is not the end of the road for ODM,” he said.
“They can still salvage ODM.”
He explained that internal struggles were inevitable in Raila’s absence but believed the party would eventually stabilise.
“ODM, in the absence of Raila Odinga, must undergo teething problems until they settle,” Atwoli noted.
Confidence in ODM Leadership
Atwoli expressed confidence in the party’s current leadership under Oburu Oginga, saying ODM remains in capable hands.
“I think ODM is in the right hands with Oburu at the helm,” he said.
He added that ongoing internal disagreements within ODM would likely have been contained had Raila still been alive and leading party politics.
