This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
Francis Atwoli, the Secretary-General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), has been making waves in Western Kenya's politics. On July 1, 2020, he met with President Uhuru Kenyatta and several governors from the region at Harambee House.
Atwoli's meeting with the President and the governors marked a significant step in his political career. He had earlier hinted at leading the region in a different political direction.
According to sources, the meeting was focused on discussing development projects for the region. President Kenyatta assured the governors that his government was committed to reviving the sugar sector, which has been severely affected, to benefit the people of Western Kenya.
Notably, the meeting did not include ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and his counterpart Moses Wetangula, who are also prominent figures in the region.
Other governors who attended the meeting included Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Wilbur Ottichilo (Vihiga), and Patrick Khaemba (Trans-Nzoia).
