From previously criticizing ANC Party leader Musalia Mudavadi, Veteran trade unionist Francis Atwoli has now declared his support for the Amani National Congress Party leader’s 2022 presidential bid, in what signals a significant change in relations between the two since last year.
Speaking at the funeral of Lugari MP Ayub Savula’s daughter, Mr Atwoli first dismissed Deputy President William Ruto’s forays into the Western region before declaring Mr Mudavadi the Luhya spokesman, a controversial tag that often breeds squabbles between the community’s sub-tribes.
Mr Atwoli is the secretary-general of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions and has for many years attempted to unify the several Luhya sub-tribes under one leader for political purposes.
“I today remind Mr Mudavadi that he is the Luhya kingpin and he should come out to command the community,” said Mr Atwoli, claiming that Mr Mudavadi has given too much space to up-and-coming political rivals who now think they have the community under their control.
Speaking at Manyonyi village in Lugari during the burial of Ms Joan Chepchirchir, Mr Atwoli, who has declared himself the community’s elder, said he was lobbying support for Mr Mudavadi from other leaders.
“I have reached out to President Uhuru Kenyatta, who commands Central region, Mr Hassan Joho who has taken charge of Coast region and Mr Raila Odinga who commands Nyanza, among other senior politicians to support Mr Mudavadi in 2022,” said Mr Atwoli.
Mr Atwoli, who endorsed Mr Mudavadi as the Luhya community spokesperson in 2016 at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega Town, asked him to remain aggressive, take charge of the community and lead it to the presidency in 2022.
The outspoken trade unionist further dismissed Deputy President William Ruto’s chances of succeeding President Kenyatta in 2022.
He said Dr Ruto was not the best candidate to become the fifth president after Mr Kenyatta, claiming the DP and his allies lack respect for elders.
“They are only concerned with their welfare and don’t value the lives of other Kenyans,” he said.