- Atwoli cautioned young politicians against pursuing leadership without building the political networks needed to sustain a national campaign.
- He criticised Sifuna’s political engagements, particularly his association with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whom he accused of pursuing business interests through politics.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General
Francis Atwoli has dismissed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential
ambitions, arguing that the lawmaker is not yet prepared to lead the
country.
Speaking during a funeral service in Kanduyi, Bungoma County,
Atwoli cautioned young politicians against pursuing leadership without building
the political networks needed to sustain a national campaign.
He criticised Sifuna’s political engagements, particularly his
association with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whom he accused of
pursuing business interests through politics.
“Hao watoto wanaokuja katika siasa, wanafanya siasa ya
biashara na itaangusha jamii. Msipochunga wanauza nyinyi wholesale,” Atwoli
said.
Atwoli warned that political alliances driven by personal
interests could undermine the interests of the communities they claim to represent,
urging voters to exercise caution as the country moves towards the 2027 General
Election.
"Juzi mliskia kijana mdogo ambaye sisi tumezaa na mimi
nimesema atakuwa kiongozi huko mbele. Anaenda kwa Wamunyoro. Ukipeleka waluhya
huko, kabla chakula ifike huko Western itakuwa imeisha. Lazima mfikirie sana ni
wapi tunaenda," Atwoli stated.
The COTU boss also reaffirmed his support for Ruto’s
re-election, citing the President’s development record as the basis for his
decision to back the Kenya Kwanza administration for another term.
This is not the first time Atwoli has questioned Sifuna’s readiness to seek the
presidency.
During a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Western Region
aspirants’ engagement, the COTU SG acknowledged Sifuna’s growing national
profile but maintained that he needed to build a stronger political team before
pursuing the country’s top office.
“I recognise all our sons who are making strides in top
leadership, the likes of Wetangula and Wycliffe Oparanya. Even if the time is
not now, I’ll say to you, the time is not now for Sifuna,” Atwoli said on
September 5, 2026.
He argued that aspiring presidential candidates needed
adequate preparation and a reliable political network to mount a competitive
national campaign.
“I must be sincere and honest and tell him, his time is not
now. Huwezi kuanza kuenda round kabla hujaprepare ile team unatembea nayo. Ata
hamjafika quarter ya safari yenu, mwenzenu anasema anataka presidency. You can
see how unprepared they are,” he added.
Sifuna, Gachagua meeting
Atwoli’s remarks come after Gachagua engaged with Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement
following his return to the country after the United States trip.
The leaders discussed their political positions and the possibility
of working together ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Watu wengine wanatubandika majina but we are not as
complicated as it is said. We are that simple. Let nobody tell you we are
tribal, we’re not. Because when we supported President William Ruto, he was a
Kalenjin. He was not Kamau and he was not Njoroge,” Gachagua said during the meeting.
The emerging cooperation between the two camps comes as
opposition leaders explore the possibility of settling on a single presidential
candidate to challenge Ruto in 2027.
Aside from Sifuna, Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee's Fred
Matiang’i and Gachagua are among the prominent figures associated with the
opposition’s presidential ambitions.
The camps are reportedly considering ways to coordinate their
campaigns and establish a common position on the presidential race, although
the final arrangement remains unsettled.