Francis Atwoli has urged Western Kenya voters to support President William Ruto’s re-election.
Gachagua defends Sifuna and urges Western Kenya residents to challenge Atwoli’s push for Ruto at the December 26 Bukhungu gathering.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has accused Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna of helping unnamed political forces undermine Western presidential ambitions for 2032. He claimed the senator’s mobilisation could divide the region’s voters and weaken its bargaining power before the 2027 election.
Atwoli also urged Western Kenya residents to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid rather than back another candidate. However, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua challenged that appeal and defended Sifuna’s right to seek the presidency.
Atwoli links unity to Western presidential ambitions
Atwoli questioned Sifuna’s intentions, alleging that the senator had urged residents to disregard leaders such as himself. He further claimed Sifuna wanted supporters to attend his December 26 meeting in Kakamega and declare support for the senator.
The trade union leader suggested that unnamed actors were directing Sifuna’s activities to fragment Western Kenya’s vote. In his view, those divisions could stop the region from uniting behind a presidential candidate in 2032.
He also argued that a divided region would struggle to attract support from other parts of Kenya. Atwoli framed his criticism around the region’s ability to rally behind one of its own for the presidency.
Meanwhile, his appeal for 2027 centred on ensuring Western Kenya contributed votes to Ruto’s re-election. He cautioned residents against allowing the President to secure another term without their support.
Gachagua urges supporters to attend Bukhungu meeting
In response, Gachagua urged residents to attend Atwoli’s planned December 26 gathering at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega. However, he asked them to use the occasion to show support for Sifuna rather than endorse Ruto.
Gachagua also argued that the Constitution entitled Sifuna to pursue the country’s highest office. He questioned criticism of the senator by Ruto’s allies and urged Sifuna’s supporters not to remain silent.
He specifically accused presidential aide Farouk Kibet of insulting Sifuna and challenged residents to speak out. His criticism also extended to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Gachagua questioned what the two leaders had delivered for Western Kenya through their association with Ruto. He demanded action on a pledge to construct 1,000 kilometres of tarmac roads before they sought further support for the President.
