While addressing in Khwisero sub-county on Saturday, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli remarked that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) primaries had demonstrated that Deputy President William Ruto is unpopular in the Mt Kenya region.
Low voter participation in Central, Atwoli said during the burial of Herman Okeno, is a strong indication that Dr Ruto will lose the presidential election on August 9, 2022.
The poor voter turnout, according to Atwoli, reflected resentment and a desire to avoid the UDA and its leader. He also accused DP Ruto of instigating his allies and locals against President Uhuru Kenyatta, their son and leader.
Addressing Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Atwoli asked him to tone down his demands and concentrate on ensuring Raila Odinga’s victory.
Giving an insight into the talks around the Azimio One Kenya presidential ticket, the outspoken trade unionist urged Kalonzo to refrain from voicing his grievances with the coalition party and instead speak directly with the major partners.
“I know Kalonzo as an important figure in the coalition and he should focus on building confidence and make people vote for the coalition. Too many conditions will make someone who was to give him deputy president position think twice,” he said.
Atwoli went on to say that Kalonzo should look to the future and uphold the pledge he made when he joined the alliance, which was to unreservedly back Raila’s presidential bid.
Kalonzo’s supporters, including Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua and former Transport CAS Wavinya Ndeti, urged Raila to consider Kalonzo as his running partner in the upcoming presidential election on Friday.
Atwoli now claims that Kalonzo’s demands may provoke divisions within the coalition.
On Saturday, Mr Odinga was also in the Western region, promoting his presidential campaign.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, former cabinet minister Noah Wekesa, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, and Trans-Nzoia governor seat aspirant George Natembeya were among those who joined him.
He spoke to villagers in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, where he was born and raised.
