‘People-powered campaign can inspire hope and deliver a better future for all, not wealth’ – Omtatah fires back at Atwoli

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has clapped back at COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, who recently laughed off his 2027 presidential ambitions.

Taking to his X account on Thursday, November 28, 2024, Omtatah reiterated his belief in a leadership approach rooted in integrity and service to ordinary Kenyans. He emphasized that his campaign would not rely on personal wealth but instead focus on inspiring hope and driving a people-centred movement.

“Leadership is about vision, integrity, and the will to serve. Ordinary Kenyans, not wealth or privilege, are the backbone of any true movement for change. We will prove that a people-powered campaign can inspire hope and deliver a better future for all,” Omtatah wrote on his X account.

Poor man

Omtatah’s response comes after Atwoli, during a TV interview, questioned the viability of a presidential campaign without substantial financial backing. The trade unionist advised the senator to focus on preparing financially and building alliances if he intends to make a serious run for the country’s top seat.

“If he came to me, I would tell him, let me see your budget. Are you going to depend on well-wishers, or what do you have as a person? Because when you are emerging for a political position, you must have saved. The world over, nobody wants to be associated with a poor person,” Atwoli remarked.

Omtatah should seek connections

Atwoli further urged Omtatah to engage Western Kenya leaders, including seasoned politicians like Amos Wako, Moses Wetang’ula, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, to strengthen his political footing. He highlighted the importance of regional unity in mounting a credible presidential campaign.

“Okiyah must bring the Western leadership together. He must seriously consult people like Amos Wako, move to Bungoma consult people like Moses Wetang’ula, and look for Mudavadi. From there, let him have a caucus, and we will be able to tell him whether he will be able to make it or not,” Atwoli advised.

Atwoli asserted that the senator who will be vying for the first time will be up against President William Ruto, who has been in the game for far too long and the odds favour him greatly.

He noted that the Head of State has great regional backing and winning for him will be as easy as taking candy from a baby

“With the direction President William Ruto has taken, that trajectory that he is now taking, he will be the President at 10 a.m. 2027. Don’t underestimate Ruto. In this country, I fear losing, and I am a serious campaigner,” Atwoli declared.

“I did everything in the books of politics by supporting Raila Odinga; we had everybody in the Republic of Kenya, and we had a sitting president behind us, and we lost. If you want to bet, bet for Ruto.”

Omtatah officially declared his presidential ambitions on November 22, 2024.