Atwoli Casts Doubt on Uhuru’s Political Clout in Matiang’i’s Presidential Bid

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has openly questioned former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s political clout, arguing that his inability to deliver the presidency for the late Raila Odinga in the 2022 general election raises serious doubts about his influence in future political contests. Atwoli made the remarks during an appearance on Citizen TV’s JKLive show, where he cast skepticism on Uhuru’s capacity to successfully back Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions.

According to Atwoli, Uhuru’s support for Raila Odinga in 2022 lacked clarity and visible commitment, leaving Raila’s campaign team unsure of its standing. He echoed sentiments previously expressed by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, noting that Uhuru never fully engaged with the grassroots teams campaigning for Raila. While Uhuru appeared to support Raila publicly, Atwoli claimed this support was largely symbolic and confined to private meetings with a small inner circle.

“Uhuru appeared to be supporting Baba, but at no point did he convene a meeting with the people who were on the frontline campaigning for Raila,” Atwoli said. He added that the absence of open engagement and clear direction weakened the campaign, as those on the ground were never fully assured of Uhuru’s backing.

Building on this argument, Atwoli expressed doubts over Uhuru’s reported endorsement of Fred Matiang’i. He warned that political goodwill alone, without strong grassroots networks, is insufficient to secure the presidency. Atwoli cautioned Matiang’i to be strategic and independent, suggesting that relying too heavily on Uhuru’s influence could be risky.

“If Matiang’i is not careful with his own moves, Uhuru will not make him the President,” Atwoli remarked. “If he didn’t make Raila, how can he make Matiang’i president?” He further pointed to Uhuru’s diminished influence even within his own backyard, questioning how Jubilee failed to secure local seats such as MCA or MP positions in his constituency.

Atwoli emphasized that while Uhuru may have genuinely wished Raila success, desire alone does not translate into political power. “He might have wished Raila to be president, but he didn’t have the ability to make him president; wishing and having the ability are different,” he said.

Turning his attention to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Atwoli dismissed claims that the party is on the brink of collapse following Raila Odinga’s exit from frontline politics. He argued that the party still has room to reorganize and stabilize, even as it navigates the inevitable challenges of transition.

“It is not the end of the road for ODM,” Atwoli said. “They can still salvage the party. In the absence of Raila Odinga, ODM has to go through teething problems before it eventually settles.”

He concluded by expressing confidence in ODM’s current leadership, stating that the party is in capable hands under Oburu Oginga. According to Atwoli, with proper reorganization and unity, ODM can remain a formidable force in Kenya’s political landscape despite the changing tides.