Atwoli on Uhuru's Next Targets After Murkomen Ouster [VIDEO]

File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta on a phone call
File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta on a phone call
Daily Nation

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, at a press briefing on Tuesday, May 12, congratulated President Uhuru Kenyatta for initiating the removal of Kipchumba Murkomen and Susan Kihika as Senate Majority Leader and Chief Whip respectively.

He further endorsed the controversial coalition agreement between the Jubilee Party and the Kenya African National Union (KANU), reiterating the need for those behind the President to pull in one direction.

Atwoli went on to call for the purge which targeted Deputy President William Ruto's allies in the Senate to be extended, asserting that it was necessary for the President's objectives for unity and sustainable development to be achieved.

He urged President Uhuru to undertake similar moves in the National Assembly, where his deputy's close associates hold key leadership positions.

President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) with COTU boss Francis Atwoli at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, during Labour Day celebrations on May 1, 2017
President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) with COTU boss Francis Atwoli at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, during Labour Day celebrations on May 1, 2017
File

After that, Atwoli suggested that Uhuru make similar changes in the cabinet, calling for him to get rid of all those who are not aligned with his objectives.

"I want to thank the President and I want him to extend the hand seen in the Senate to the National Assembly where some changes also need to be made.

"And after that, he should look at his administration and the cabinet to find the best people to help him for the next two years,

"The election is still far. We don't know who will even get to 2022 and who will not, so we cannot allow issues of 2022 to come and destroy our development, our unity, our country, our development and the working of the government," he stated.

Atwoli maintained that Uhuru needed a team to support him fully, particularly in terms of economic recovery, considering the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy.

The trade unionist also called for a gradual re-opening of businesses, calling for small traders and SMEs to be allowed to operate their businesses just as restaurants had been allowed to open.

Ruto's allies in the National Assembly include Majority Leader Aden Duale and Whip Benjamin Washiali. Speaker Justin Muturi and Deputy Speaker Moses Cheboi are thought to be on Uhuru's side.

Among officials of the Jubilee Party, National Treasurer Alfred Mutai, has been vocal in his support of the Deputy President's stance even as other officials such as Secretary-General Raphael Tuju and Vice-Chairman David Murathe, make no secret of their affiliation to the President.

Mutai, for instance, was among the leaders who wrote to the Registrar of Political Parties in April 2020, challenging changes made to the party's National Management Committee (NMS) by officials allied to Uhuru.

In the cabinet, recent reports have indicated that there is a looming shake-up, with leaders including Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru confirming that there was a plan to form a government of national unity incorporating Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

Kanu leader and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi is also touted to play a key role in the new-look government. Changes in the cabinet may likely start with the removal of Cabinet Secretaries considered loyal to DP Ruto.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Monday, May 11, renowned political analyst Martin Andati asserted that the removal of Murkomen was part of a long-term plan to weaken Ruto's influence, and involved going after his allies ahead of the formation of a government of national unity.

"Ruto is getting weakened by the day. They've started with the Majority Leader which is a very influential position in Parliament. Majority Leaders are practically on the same level with Cabinet Secretaries even in terms of perks. They will remove Murkomen and put him on the catering committee, which is what they do to demean people.

"Next, they will move on to the National Assembly where the likes of whip Benjamin Washiali will be in trouble, before moving on to the Cabinet and paving the way for a Government of National Unity," Andati stated.

Watch Atwoli's briefing below:

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