Atwoli Dismisses Sifuna’s Presidential Bid, Accuses Him of Dividing Western Kenya Ahead of 2027 Poll

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has renewed his criticism of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, accusing him of threatening Western Kenya’s political unity and undermining the Luhya community’s long-term quest for the presidency.

Atwoli has questioned the timing of Sifuna’s ambition to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, arguing that the move could divide the region’s voting bloc at a critical moment when its leaders are seeking to consolidate support behind a common political direction.

The veteran trade unionist maintains that the Luhya community should remain united and strategically position itself for the country’s top seat in 2032 rather than pursue competing presidential ambitions in 2027.

His remarks come amid growing political activity surrounding Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi Movement, which has been attracting supporters and leaders from different parts of the country.

Atwoli has previously accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of allegedly financing Sifuna’s political activities to weaken the Western Kenya voting bloc. He also claimed that external political interests were encouraging divisions within the Luhya community. These remain Atwoli’s allegations and have not been independently established.

The COTU boss has also maintained that Western Kenya should remain aligned with President Ruto’s administration, arguing that supporting his re-election would create an opportunity for the community to negotiate for the presidency in 2032.

His position reflects a political strategy also championed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who have urged the community to consolidate its political influence before pursuing the country’s top seat.

However, Sifuna and his allies have been advancing a different political message through Linda Mwananchi, insisting that the Luhya community should not continue postponing its presidential ambitions.

The senator has been positioning himself as part of a new generation of leaders seeking to challenge the established political order, with his movement attracting support from politicians who want Western Kenya to play a more prominent role in the 2027 presidential contest.

The disagreement has exposed competing political interests within the Luhya community, with some leaders advocating for unity behind the current government while others believe the region should pursue an independent political path.

Atwoli’s latest criticism adds to the growing exchanges between supporters of the established Western Kenya political leadership and Sifuna’s emerging movement as political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election continue to take shape.

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