Trade unionist Francis Atwoli has dismissed viral social media reports that he is stepping down from his role as Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K).
In a statement, the outspoken leader termed the reports as lies.
The SG was responding to claims made by Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi, who claimed that Atwoli had convened a meeting on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, to announce his exit from the labour union.
Itumbi, a key figure in the office of UDA party leader and President-elect William Ruto, alluded Atwoli was taking a back seat following the deputy president’s victory in the August 9 polls.
While dismissing the claims, the leader confirmed that COTU had convened a meeting today but it has nothing to do with his purported exit.
According to the Ruto critic, COTU members are meeting to fundraise for one of their own who passed on recently.
“This is a sad moment for us following the death of Bro. Isiah Kubai who was the GS of BIFU. We have called for a meeting to conduct a fundraiser in preparation for the burial on Friday in Meru. Because you come from those sides you should join us instead of peddling lies,” Atwoli said on Tuesday, August 16.
This is a sad moment for us following the death of Bro. Isiah Kubai who was the GS of BIFU. We have called for a meeting to conduct a fundraiser in preparation for the burial on Friday in Meru. Because you come from those sides you should join us instead of peddling lies. https://t.co/8miM52inFE
— Francis Atwoli NOM (DZA), CBS, EBS, MBS. (@AtwoliDza) August 16, 2022
Atwoli serving last term
He, however, confirmed that he is serving his last term and will be exiting the stage soon.
“Further, matters COTU (K) leadership is a COTU (K) constitutional issue and not an Atwoli issue. As of now, I am in office serving my last term,” Atwoli added.
Atwoli is an ardent supporter of Ruto’s Azimio One Kenya coalition rival Raila Odinga and is on record saying the DP’s presidential bid was doomed to fail.
“This year he (Ruto) is not going to be president, I’m convinced 100 per cent. But for the years to come, he may. If he is not careful, Raila will hand over this government to the first lady woman to be a president, Martha Karua,” Atwoli said in a past interview while accusing Ruto of being disrespectful.
