This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
On July 1, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta held a closed-door meeting with Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli at State House. The meeting was attended by a team of leaders from Western Kenya, including four governors and one Cabinet Secretary.
The meeting aimed to discuss the development agenda of the region, revitalize the economy, complete stalled development projects, and revive ailing and collapsed factories, including sugar firms. According to Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, the team promised to ensure that people benefit from the government and not seek political supremacy.
On May 29, 2020, Atwoli hosted a team of Luhya leaders at his Kajiado home in a bid to promote unity among Luhya leaders. However, political temperatures in the Western region are flaring, with Deputy President William Ruto's allies being roughed up during their gatherings.
On June 29, 2020, Amani National Congress offices were set ablaze by unknown assailants, resulting in the loss of several party documents.
President Kenyatta's meeting with Atwoli and Western Kenya leaders comes at a time when tensions are running high in Ruto's camp.
