COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of playing a key role in Raila Odinga’s defeat in the 2022 General Election, arguing that his support was not matched by active political mobilisation.
Speaking during a televised interview on Wednesday night, Atwoli claimed that while Kenyatta publicly endorsed Raila’s presidential bid, he failed to rally key campaign players and consolidate the Azimio coalition machinery.
Atwoli dismissed suggestions that constitutional changes or future alliances could alter Raila’s electoral fortunes, saying political losses must be accepted.
He also issued a caution to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, warning that Kenyatta’s backing alone may not guarantee success in the 2027 presidential race.
The remarks come amid growing internal tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where divisions have emerged over the party’s position on the broad-based government.
ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has since met Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna in a bid to restore unity, defending him as a principled leader committed to open debate within the party.
