Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli Wednesday found himself on the receiving end of Kenyans on Twitter’s wrath, after making outrageous demands on the Building Bridges Initiatives action points, while delivering his speech at the report launch.
Speaking at Bomas of Kenya in the event graced by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, and ODM leader Raila Odinga, among other politicians and dignitaries, Atwoli stated that he was not fully contented with the political propositions of the document.
“Pale kwa governance bado tutafanya ukarabati…Ni lazima President akuwe na two deputies (We must still make governance changes…The president must have two deputies)” Atwoli told the baffled crowd.
To add salt to the injury, Atwoli addressed the sensitive Prime Minister matter, demanding that the individual appointed by the President must also have two assistants.
Kenyans still need to look at the BBI report and include deputy PM positions. ~ COTU SG Atwoli on the report.#TonyGachoka pic.twitter.com/VhJEk57oAS
— Kawangware Finest™️ (@cbs_ke) November 27, 2019
Ignoring laughter from the crowd, Atwoli defended his demands by saying that it is the only solution to post-election violence in the country, as it creates positions for poll losers.
Just like the audience who at one point booed Atwoli during his speech, Kenyans on social media reacted with surprise at his outrageous demands, at a time when the country is trying to cut down on the hefty civil servant wage bill.
According to a majority of citizens, Atwoli’s utterances indicate a lack of objectivity on his current mandate as a unionist.
Atwoli should speak for "maworkers". Having those deputies he is talking about its over burdening workers.
— Humphries Dot Young. (@Dotyoung13) November 27, 2019
Others felt that the lobby leader acted childishly by using the wrong platform to raise controversy.
Joho and Atwoli are the worst speakers of the day. Very childish and full of unnecessary anger#BBIReport
— Eugene Ongeri 🇰🇪 (@EugeneOngeri) November 27, 2019
Just because Atwoli is elderly, does not necessarily have to be wise, remember fools too get old….
— Master_Ben (@benhembb) November 27, 2019
Atwoli is an idiot who doesn't know that anything Stupidity minds 🤧🤧
— Enoch Cheruiyot (@EnochCheruiyot6) November 27, 2019
Wasn't amused too, atwoli just rants no sense
— redred (@Redredjb) November 27, 2019
Did Someone cursed Atwoli. The Oldman needs serious prayers. His brains needs some service 😫
— GENERALI KIPROTICH🇰🇪 (@ItsKiprotich1) November 27, 2019
While the rest of us process our brains to talk sense, Francis Atwoli process intestines to give us farts. This man needs a brain transplant
— Steven Ngugi (@Mrstevengugi) November 27, 2019
Francis Atwoli should not be anywhere near the #BBIReport he should not be given a platform to air his opinion. We're that man is as useless as the words that comes out his face
— Steven Ngugi (@Mrstevengugi) November 27, 2019
#ATWOLI this guy's brain has reached menopause, I thought he was speaking for the president, I thought he knew what he was saying.
He made people think UHURU was going for the prime minister post. That UHURU was too young to retire.
You are alone Mr. ATWOLI, kufia kwa kiti— festus musembi (muisyo) (@festusmusembi7) November 27, 2019
Interestingly, Atwoli’s sentiments appeared to resonate with a small fraction of Netizens.
Francis Atwoli is that Prophet that keeps speaking the truth to the stubborn … Prophets are rarely listened to by their own but they always regret when God brings down brimstone & sulphuric … Atwoli, don’t tire.
— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) November 27, 2019
Francis Atwoli indeed is an elder. Speaking unpopular opinion to people too stubborn to listen to one another. Endelea Mzee!
— Abraham Mohammed Mutai (@ItsMutai) November 27, 2019
Atwoli is right… This country need expansion of executive, to accommodate more leaders at the top both from minority communities and majority. Kenya belongs to all of us, otherwise this report is just a waste of time.
— Joseph Ombewa (@joseph_ombewa) November 27, 2019