Atwoli claims Sifuna being used to weaken Western’s 2032 presidential ambitions

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 1 – Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has accused Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna of being used by unnamed political forces to divide Western Kenya’s voting bloc and undermine the region’s chances of producing a presidential candidate in 2032.

Atwoli questioned Sifuna’s political intentions, claiming his growing mobilisation in Western Kenya was part of a scheme to weaken the region’s political bargaining power ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“You heard Sifuna the other day telling people from this region not to listen to people like me. And then he is telling people to attend my December 26 meeting in Kakamega and declare support for him.We must ask ourselves, who is using our son? Who has sent him?” he posed.

Atwoli claimed the senator was being used to fragment Western Kenya politically, warning that such divisions could prevent the region from rallying behind one of its own in the 2032 presidential race.

“Someone is sending Sifuna to split Western votes so that in 2032 we are unable to field a presidential candidate and get support from other parts of the country,” he said.

The COTU boss further urged Western Kenya residents to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid, cautioning them against backing alternative presidential candidates.

“Let us not allow Ruto to be re-elected without the votes from Western Kenya. Let no one mislead you into supporting another presidential candidate,” Atwoli said.

His remarks have drawn a sharp response from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who challenged the trade unionist’s attempt to rally the region behind Ruto while questioning Sifuna’s political ambitions.

Gachagua urged Western Kenya residents to attend Atwoli’s planned December 26 gathering at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega but use the occasion to demonstrate their support for Sifuna.

“I hear Atwoli has called a meeting at Bukhungu Stadium on December 26 so that he can deliver the people of Western to Kasongo. Wake up early and go to the stadium, but when he arrives, tell him that you are Sifuna,” Gachagua said.

The former Deputy President also defended Sifuna’s right to pursue the presidency, arguing that the senator was constitutionally entitled to seek the country’s top office.

Gachagua further questioned why leaders allied to Ruto were attacking Sifuna over his political ambitions, challenging his supporters not to remain silent when the senator was criticised.

“Why does Farouk insult Sifuna while you remain silent? You people will fix that,” he said, referring to President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet.

Gachagua also turned his criticism towards Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, questioning what they had delivered to Western Kenya despite their political association with the President.

He challenged the two leaders to account for promises made to the region, including a pledge to construct 1,000 kilometres of tarmac roads.

“Before telling us about Kasongo, build the 1,000 kilometres of tarmac road first, then come and speak to us,” Gachagua said.

The December 26 Bukhungu meeting is expected to provide a major test of Atwoli’s influence in the region and the competing political ambitions of leaders seeking to shape Western Kenya’s political direction.