Atwoli to Gachagua: I undertsand Kenyan politics better than you
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has publicly challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, asserting his superior understanding of Kenyan political history. Atwoli dismissed Gachagua's claims regarding his political influence and made allegations concerning Gachagua's past conduct in the 1990s.
Why it matters
This public spat reflects ongoing tensions and shifting power dynamics within the Kenyan political landscape.
A collage of COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua. /FILE
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, questioning his understanding of Kenya’s political history and dismissing his claim that Atwoli’s political backing cannot guarantee an electoral victory.
In a statement Sunday, Atwoli said his long involvement in Kenyan politics gave him a deeper understanding of the country’s political landscape than Gachagua might suggest.
Atwoli also disputed Gachagua’s assessment of his influence, pointing to his voting history and past political affiliations.
“It is, therefore, ignorance of the highest order for Gachagua to claim that, ‘If Atwoli supports you, you cannot win,’” Atwoli said.
He said he began voting in 1969, when he supported founding President Jomo Kenyatta, and later backed President Daniel Arap Moi after he assumed office in 1978.
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