KHWISERO, Kenya — Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of attempting to divide Western Kenya by allegedly backing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Atwoli claimed Uhuru was seeking to use Sifuna to gain political influence in the Mulembe community, warning residents against what he described as efforts to exploit political divisions in the region.
Speaking in Khwisero during an inspection tour of a Level Four hospital under construction, Atwoli also questioned Uhuru’s alleged political support for opposition figures, drawing comparisons with the former President’s role in the 2022 election.
Atwoli said Uhuru had previously supported former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s presidential bid under the Azimio la Umoja coalition but failed to deliver what he had promised.
“In Azimio, he (Uhuru) told us he will give Ksh400 million for agents, and he did not. He left Raila and now he says Sifuna will get money,” Atwoli said.
He alleged that Sifuna was being positioned as a vehicle for dividing the Western Kenya vote.
“He just wants to use him to divide you. I urge you to remain vigilant,” he said.
Atwoli further argued that the Mulembe community should resist political manipulation and maintain unity as parties and political leaders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 contest.
The remarks add to growing political speculation over the alliances that could shape the presidential race, particularly in Western Kenya, where competing political camps are seeking to consolidate support.
Uhuru rejects ‘political sponsor’ claims
Atwoli’s remarks came shortly after Uhuru publicly sought to distance himself from claims that he was financing or sponsoring opposition politicians.
Speaking on Sunday during the annual memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Uhuru said he was not seeking any political office.
He also made a light-hearted reference to the “sponsor” label after supporters cheered when he mentioned Sifuna during his address.
“Jameni chungeni, sitaki kuitwa sponsor,” Uhuru said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The former President has increasingly been accused by President William Ruto and his allies of financing politicians opposed to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Uhuru has not publicly endorsed Sifuna for president.
Sifuna has also rejected claims that the former President is bankrolling the Linda Mwananchi movement, insisting that its activities are supported by ordinary Kenyans and well-wishers.
Sifuna keeps 2027 plans unclear
Sifuna, who serves as Nairobi senator and is one of the prominent figures associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, has so far stopped short of formally declaring a presidential bid.
His growing visibility, however, has made him a subject of increasing political speculation as parties and alliances position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Also Read: Kenya Kwanza leaders rally Western Kenya behind Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid
President Ruto and his allies have linked Sifuna and other opposition figures to Uhuru, accusing the former President of backing efforts to challenge the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Those allegations have been denied.
Atwoli’s intervention is likely to intensify the debate over the political direction of Western Kenya, where leaders are increasingly calling for the region to speak with a unified voice while rival camps seek to secure its support.
The dispute also highlights the increasingly contested political space around Sifuna, whose potential presidential ambitions could become more consequential if opposition parties consolidate behind a common candidate.
For now, however, Sifuna has not formally announced a presidential bid, while Uhuru maintains that he is not seeking elective office.
