NAIROBI, Kenya — Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has reignited debate over the 2022 General Election, placing part of the blame for Raila Odinga’s defeat on former President Uhuru Kenyatta, even as political tensions intensify within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking during a televised interview on Citizen TV on Wednesday night, January 7, Atwoli argued that although Kenyatta publicly endorsed Raila’s candidacy, he failed to actively mobilise the campaign machinery that could have altered the election’s outcome.
“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta was responsible for Raila’s loss in 2022. Even if we were to amend the Constitution to accommodate him, that would not make him a winner. Even if Uhuru were to run in 2027, he would not beat President Ruto. After elections, we must accept that we are defeated,” Atwoli said.
According to the veteran trade unionist, Kenyatta’s involvement in the Azimio la Umoja campaign remained largely symbolic.
He maintained that the former president neither convened key campaign operatives nor provided the firm coordination required to mount an effective nationwide push.
Warning to Matiang’i
Atwoli extended his criticism to recent political manoeuvres surrounding former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who was last week named Jubilee Party’s Deputy Party Leader and has expressed interest in the 2027 presidential race with Kenyatta’s backing.
“Uhuru appeared to be supporting Baba, but at no point did he convene a meeting with the people who were on the frontline campaigning for Raila. I now hear he is saying he wants Matiang’i to be President. If Matiang’i is not careful with his own moves, Uhuru will not make him President. If he did not make Raila, how can he make Matiang’i president?”
The remarks come as shifting alliances and succession politics continue to reshape Kenya’s opposition landscape, with Jubilee seeking to reposition itself after its 2022 electoral collapse.
Growing strains inside ODM
Atwoli’s comments also unfold against deepening internal divisions within ODM, the party founded by Raila Odinga.
Fault lines have emerged over the stance taken by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and other party leaders who have openly criticised the broad-based government arrangement that now includes ODM.
In an effort to restore unity, ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga held talks with Sifuna on Wednesday at the party’s Nairobi headquarters. In a statement, Oburu said the meeting focused on strengthening cohesion, dialogue and internal stability.
Also Read: Edwin Sifuna apologizes to Uhuru Kenyatta as ODM grapples with post-Raila divisions
Sifuna has faced sustained pressure from some party factions who accuse him of undermining party strategy and have called for his removal.
However, Oburu firmly defended the Nairobi Senator, describing him as a principled and sober voice within the movement.
He further dismissed attempts to silence dissent, insisting that open debate and freedom of expression remain core values of ODM’s democratic tradition.
