Omtatah challenged Atwoli’s allegations and affirmed that his bid would prove his claims wrong.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah on Thursday, November 28 downplayed criticism by Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli on his aspirations of becoming President in 2027, hours after the fiery unionist claimed he does not have the financial capability to last the upcoming general election campaign.
Taking to his official X account, Omtatah challenged Atwoli’s allegations and affirmed that his bid would prove his claims wrong. According to Omtatah, leadership is not about wealth.
“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,” the activist responded remarks showing his refusal to back down in response to criticism.
Atwoli, who appeared on Citizen TV during an interview with Jeff Koinange on Wednesday, November 27, called on Omtatah to focus on building alliances with regional leaders and ensuring financial readiness ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Francis Atwoli appearing during a past Citizen TV interview. /FILE
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with Western Kenya leaders, such as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, to strengthen Omtatah’s political base.
“Okiyah must bring the Western leadership together,” said Atwoli. “He must seriously consult people like Amos Wako, move to Bungoma and 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.”
The veteran unionist dismissed reliance on research alone as a basis for political strategy, advocating for a more hands-on, practical approach. Atwoli further stressed the critical role of financial preparedness in any political campaign, advising Omtatah to carry out due diligence on his budget and resources.
“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.
Atwoli expressed confidence in President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027, attributing it to his strategic political appointments and regional support.
Reflecting on Ruto’s victory in 2022, Atwoli warned against underestimating him, noting that Ruto defeated former Prime Minister Raila Odinga despite Odinga’s backing by a sitting president—Uhuru Kenyatta.
“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,” Atwoli said. “Don’t underestimate Ruto. In this country, I fear losing, and I am a serious campaigner. 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 announced his aspirations to replace President William Ruto in 2027, with three years to go until Kenyans take to the polls again to vote in the presidential elections. To do this, he officially launched his presidential exploratory campaign on Wednesday, forming a 10-member committee led by Mary Kathomi.
The team comprises political strategists, activists, and legal experts tasked with conducting nationwide opinion polls to gauge his popularity and develop strategies to challenge potential opponents.
These possibly include Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, so far being touted as the most likely candidate to unseat Ruto.
“My focus will not waver. I know there is a fight to dislodge President William Ruto, and I am ready,” Omtatah said, urging Kenyans to support his cause.
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