Atwoli subtly slams Gachagua as betrayer over US remarks
The Central Organisation for Trade Union (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, has subtly slammed former Deputy President and DCP boss Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking on Friday, August 8, during the funeral of the late veteran Phoebe Asiyo in Homa Bay, Atwoli regretted the ongoing political infighting that he said was hurting the country.
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“I want to tell Kenyans that it is better to have a bad government than not to have one, and I thank my brother Raila for bringing peace in Kenya,” Atwoli said.
“Leaders are chosen by God. You cannot travel to another country to betray your own country. Any betrayer has never gotten what they wanted.”
Atwoli’s comments came a day after Gachagua made controversial remarks during a public rally at Kansas City in the United States on Thursday, August 7, where he accused President William Ruto of fumbling with words while defending his relationship with China.
Political tensions spill overseas
Speaking at a forum in Kansas City, Gachagua said, “I was a deputy president in this government when many meetings took place and I have all the details… And we are giving those details to the Americans. And we are right here in America.”
He further alleged, “There is real panic in Nairobi. I saw the president fumbling with words, trying to explain himself but trying to digress from real issues.”
Gachagua criticised President Ruto’s defence of his ties with China, stating, “He was saying that Americans have an issue with him because he has a relationship with China. The president attempted to push back by saying that he is having a relationship with China because it is good for the country.” Gachagua insisted, “It is good that I tell him why the Americans have joined Kenyans in having a problem with him and his government.”
Call for unity and patriotism
Atwoli called for unity among leaders and reminded Kenyans that the nation is bigger than any individual or faction. “Betrayers, every day, you go and come back to be known. Kenya is bigger than all of us. And I say, Mr. President, when problems happen, it is women and children who suffer,” he said.
Atwoli’s message serves as a reminder that patriotism and peace should come before political rivalry, especially when key leaders engage in public disagreements overseas.
