Raila Odinga and Francis Atwoli met at the burial ceremony of the late Rajab Mwondi, former COTU (Central Organization of Trade Unions) chairman in Vihiga. The event became a focal point for political drama, with leaders from the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza political factions engaging in heated exchanges and trading accusations. Vihiga is the home of Musalia Mudavadi, who was also present, despite majority of leaders having been elected on Azimio allied parties. This event, which took place on a Saturday, saw Azimio leader Raila Odinga addressing the assembled mourners, where he seized the opportunity to respond to President William Ruto’s recent comments about sugar cartels.
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Raila expressed his disappointment in the remarks made by the Head of State, labeling them as “unfortunate and unbecoming.” In response to the ongoing Bipartisan talks between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza, he firmly asserted that he had no interest in power-sharing arrangements, commonly referred to as ‘nusu mkate’ in Kenyan political discourse. Instead, Raila reiterated his belief that he was the rightful victor of the August 2022 elections. This is despite the declaration of IEBC and ruling by the Supreme Court on his election petition.
Musalia defends Ruto on Mumias Sugar
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi expressed his dismay at the opposition’s criticism of President Ruto’s efforts to combat corruption in the sugar sector. In his view, the government’s actions were being unjustly attacked by the opposing factions. During campaign time, the then Deputy President William Ruto had promised residents of Western Kenya that he would transform the sugar sector to bring about its recovery.
In a surprising twist, Raila also pointed fingers at COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, accusing him of neglecting the interests of Kenyan workers by aligning himself with the current government rather than advocating for the rights of the people. Raila contended that Atwoli should have played a more prominent role in organizing anti-government protests alongside the suffering Kenyan citizens. The COTU Sec Gen was conspicuously absent during the Azimio Maandamano. He even claimed businesses and workers were being negatively affected by the Demos.
Atwoli swiftly dismissed Raila’s accusations, arguing that the opposition should acknowledge Ruto’s electoral victory and move forward. The tension escalated when Atwoli and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi had a heated argument over who should have the honor of inviting Raila Odinga to the podium. This disagreement ultimately led to Atwoli seizing the microphone from Osotsi.
Musalia defends Atwoli from Raila
Musalia threw his support behind Atwoli, asserting that no one should criticize him for his political stance. Mudavadi emphasized that the elections had concluded a year ago, and Atwoli was entitled to collaborate with the government in power.
Atwoli was one of the main supporters of Raila Odinga, in his quest to succeed Uhuru Kenyatta as president. The COTU leader severally asked Sugoi resident to cut trees at President Ruto’s home as he might misuse them when he loses. He however took a surprising turn when Ruto was declared president, pledging to work with his Kenya Kwanza Government to the disappointment of Raila.
