This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
Atwoli and Khalwale Clash Over Uhuru's Bus Donation ¶
Francis Atwoli, the Secretary-General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), has clashed with Boni Khalwale, a former senator, over a bus donation made by President Uhuru Kenyatta to Nzoia Sugar FC.
According to Khalwale, the leaders of Western Kenya counties should have prioritized development issues, such as an increase in the allocation of funds to the counties, instead of seeking a bus donation from the President.
Atwoli responded by saying that Khalwale's comments were not wise and that he needed to see a doctor. He also questioned Khalwale's sanity.
The clash between the two leaders has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some people supporting Atwoli and others backing Khalwale.
On July 1, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta met with the leaders of Western Kenya counties at Harambee House in Nairobi. During the meeting, he donated a bus to Nzoia Sugar FC.
The leaders who attended the meeting included Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Wilber Ottichilo (Vihiga), and Patrick Khaemba (Trans-Nzoia). Other attendees included Eugene Wamalwa, the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution, and Francis Atwoli.
Despite the bus donation, Khalwale expressed his disappointment, saying that the leaders had been given KSh 40 billion in the 2019/2020 financial year, but they still sought a bus donation from the President.
Atwoli responded by saying that Khalwale's comments were not wise and that he needed to see a doctor. He also questioned Khalwale's sanity.
