Francis Atwoli has thrown a political grenade into the opposition camp. The long-serving COTU boss has openly blamed former President Uhuru Kenyatta for Raila Odinga’s crushing defeat in the 2022 General Election.
Speaking with rare bluntness, Atwoli said Uhuru’s half-hearted support sabotaged the Azimio campaign. He also sent a sharp warning to Fred Matiang’i, telling him not to trust Uhuru with his 2027 ambitions. Atwoli argued that Uhuru failed Raila and will fail anyone else who depends on him.
Atwoli Tears Uhuru Over Raila Loss and 2027 Politics
Atwoli made the explosive claims during a Citizen TV interview aired on Wednesday night, January 7. He accused Uhuru of political deception. He said the former president publicly backed Raila Odinga but failed to put real effort into the campaign.
Atwoli insisted that leadership goes beyond public endorsements. He said Uhuru never took charge of the Azimio machinery. He claimed the former president failed to mobilize key leaders, failed to coordinate campaign teams, and failed to give direction when it mattered most.
The trade unionist dismissed claims that Raila lost due to other factors. He placed the blame squarely on Uhuru’s doorstep. He argued that even constitutional changes would not have saved the situation under Uhuru’s watch.
Atwoli said defeat demands honesty. He urged leaders to accept loss and move on. He also dismissed any suggestion that Uhuru still holds decisive political influence. He said the former president cannot beat President William Ruto in any future contest.
Atwoli’s remarks have deepened political tension within opposition ranks. They come barely months after Raila’s death, a period marked by grief, reflection, and growing power struggles inside ODM.
Why Atwoli Blames Uhuru for the 2022 Collapse
Atwoli said Uhuru failed the most basic test of political leadership. He said the former president never called meetings to unite Raila’s frontline campaigners. He claimed Uhuru stayed distant while the campaign drifted.
According to Atwoli, Uhuru watched from the sidelines while Azimio leaders fought internal battles. He said the campaign lacked coordination, energy, and clear command. He argued that such failures cost Raila the presidency.
The union boss described Uhuru’s support for Raila as symbolic rather than practical. He said endorsements without action mean nothing in Kenyan politics. He argued that Raila carried the burden alone while Uhuru protected his own political comfort.
Atwoli also rejected excuses made after the election. He said leaders must face reality. He said Azimio lost and blaming institutions or external forces only delays renewal.
His comments have reignited debate over Uhuru’s role after leaving office. Many critics have long questioned whether the former president truly committed himself to Raila’s campaign.
Atwoli Warning to Matiang’i Over Uhuru Alliance
Atwoli did not stop with Raila’s loss. He turned his fire on Fred Matiang’i’s 2027 ambitions. Matiang’i recently accepted the role of deputy party leader in Jubilee and declared interest in the presidency with Uhuru’s backing.
Atwoli warned Matiang’i to chart his own path. He said Uhuru cannot make anyone president. He reminded Matiang’i that Uhuru failed to deliver victory for Raila despite years of political partnership.
The COTU chief urged Matiang’i to rely on personal strategy and grassroots support. He cautioned against blind loyalty to political godfathers. He said Kenyan politics rewards self-driven leaders, not political heirs.
Atwoli’s warning has unsettled Jubilee circles. It has also raised questions about Uhuru’s real influence within the party he once led.
ODM Wranglings Intensify After Atwoli Remarks
Atwoli’s attack lands during a fragile moment for ODM. The party faces internal divisions over its stance toward the broad-based government. Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has openly criticized the arrangement, angering sections of the party.
Pressure has mounted on Sifuna, with some members demanding his removal. They accuse him of undermining party unity. Others praise him for standing firm on democratic principles.
ODM leader Oburu Odinga stepped in to cool tensions. He met Sifuna at the party headquarters in Nairobi on Wednesday. Oburu said the meeting aimed to strengthen unity, dialogue, and cohesion.
Oburu defended Sifuna. He described him as principled and sober. He dismissed efforts to silence him. He said ODM must allow free expression and debate.
Atwoli’s comments have added fuel to an already volatile situation. They have exposed deep cracks within opposition politics. They have also reopened uncomfortable questions about leadership, loyalty, and accountability after Raila.
The message from Atwoli is clear. Political endorsements without action mean nothing. Leaders who fail once cannot be trusted to deliver victory again.
