Roots party leader George Wajackoyah cautioned President William Ruto against associating with Central Organisation Trade Union (COTU) secretary general, Francis Atwoli, arguing that the latter was famous for switching camps.
Wajackoyah, while speaking in Navakholo, Kakamega, on Sunday, December 18, argued that Western Kenya cannot be led by leaders who lacked a political stand.
“Do you want people to say that Atwoli can stand before the Luhya community and urge us to unite? He was standing with Raila, and all of a sudden he jumped to William Ruto," Wajackoyah wondered.
“The Principle of Luhya unity is nonsensical. It is sattirical when you get a few men who have been there since independence grouping together, cheating Ruto and lying that there will be Luhya unity,” he declared.
The veteran lawyer urged Ruto to disassociate himself from Atwoli, claiming that the latter would soil the President's reputation.
Atwoli had not yet responded to Wajackoyah by the time of publication.
Atwoli has recently been marshalling the Western Kenya leaders to rally behind the President for the sake of development.
In the run-up to the August 9 election, the vocal trade unionist vehemently opposed Ruto’s candidature but warmed up to him months later.
In the company of other leaders from Western Kenya, Atwoli met Ruto at State House on December 1, pledging to support the new administration.
"This morning I paid a courtesy call to H.E President William Ruto, whereby we held discussions on Kenya's labour issues. I also sought an appointment with the Head of State to meet and share with all COTU Affiliated General Secretaries," he wrote.
Atwoli, equally in Kakamega, while attending president Ruto's event, revealed that he had decided to work closely with Ruto “for the sake of workers”.
“As leaders sitting on various international labour bodies, I am obliged to brief the President on whatever is discussed at the forums and their outcome. This can only effectively happen when I am working closely with the President,” declared Atwoli on December 9.
Ruto also extended an olive branch to the COTU boss, asking for forgiveness.
"Atwoli had told people to cut trees and other things, and I know that as a young man, I disrespected him. Forgive me. For everyone that I have wronged, forgive me. Please. Let us come and work together," Ruto pleaded.
