Central Organisation of Trade Unions secretary general Francis Atwoli has claimed that external forces are behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's decision to pursue the presidency in 2027. Atwoli made the remarks at a public event in Western Kenya, expressing concerns that Sifuna's bid could weaken the region's political influence. He argued that this could undermine the region's prospects of producing a presidential candidate in 2032.
Atwoli questioned the interests behind Sifuna's presidential ambitions, citing recent remarks by the senator urging residents not to listen to leaders like himself. Atwoli also pointed out that Sifuna had encouraged people to attend a planned December 26 meeting in Kakamega to declare support for his presidential bid. This has raised suspicions about who is behind Sifuna's ambitions.
The COTU boss dismissed Sifuna's presidential ambitions, saying the Nairobi senator was not yet ready to lead the country. Atwoli alleged that Sifuna's candidature could be part of a wider political scheme to divide Western Kenya's support. This, he claimed, would deny the region an opportunity to build a formidable presidential campaign in the future.
Atwoli further claimed that President William Ruto already enjoys substantial support across the country, estimating that he commands more than 10 million votes ahead of the 2027 elections. He cited Coast, Nyanza, North Eastern, and Rift Valley as regions where Ruto enjoys support. Atwoli argued that Western Kenya should not be left out of the President's political support base.
Atwoli urged residents of Western Kenya not to be misled into supporting another presidential candidate. He emphasized the importance of consolidating the region's votes behind one political candidate in the next general election. This, he believes, would strengthen the region's political influence.
Sifuna's presidential bid has raised concerns about the potential impact on Western Kenya's voting bloc. Atwoli's claims have added to the debate about the motivations behind Sifuna's ambitions. The issue is likely to remain a topic of discussion in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
The 2027 general election is 281 days, 13 hours, and 19 minutes away. Various radio stations, including Classic 105, Kiss 100, Homeboyz Radio, Gukena FM, East FM, Radio Jambo, and X FM, are covering the developments. The election will be closely watched, with various stakeholders vying for power.
Key points
- External forces are pushing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to pursue the presidency in 2027.
- Atwoli claims Sifuna's bid could weaken Western Kenya's political influence.
- President William Ruto enjoys substantial support across the country, with over 10 million votes estimated ahead of the 2027 elections.
