The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has offered a candid assessment of Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah’s presidential ambitions.
He urged the senator to focus on strategic collaborations and financial preparedness ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Atwoli underscored the necessity of fostering unity among Western Kenya leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, as a foundation for Omtatah’s political aspirations.
“Okiyah must bring the Western leadership together,” Atwoli advised. “He must seriously consult people like Amos Wako, move to Bungoma and consult people like Moses Wetang’ula, and look for Mudavadi. From there, let him have a caucus, and we will be able to tell him whether he will be able to make it or not.”
Atwoli dismissed the idea that research alone could shape a successful campaign, emphasizing the need for a practical, experience-driven approach to politics.
“You can do thousands and thousands of research, but there are some key elements of political achievements you must be told to do,” he said.
The veteran unionist also highlighted the critical role of financial stability in political campaigns, stressing the importance of personal financial readiness.
He urged Omtatah to evaluate his resources and prepare a comprehensive budget before venturing further into the race.
“If he came to me, I would tell him, let me see your budget. Are you going to depend on well-wishers, or what do you have as a person? Because when you are emerging for a political position, you must have saved. The world over, nobody wants to be associated with a poor person,” Atwoli remarked.
Turning his focus to the 2027 presidential race, Atwoli expressed unwavering confidence in President William Ruto’s re-election, attributing it to Ruto’s political savvy, strategic appointments, and ability to consolidate regional support.
“With the direction President William Ruto has taken, that trajectory that he is now taking, he will be the President at 10 a.m. 2027,” Atwoli predicted. “Don’t underestimate Ruto. In this country, I fear losing, and I am a serious campaigner. I did everything in the books of politics by supporting Raila Odinga; we had everybody in the Republic of Kenya, and we had a sitting president behind us, and we lost. If you want to bet, bet for Ruto.”
Atwoli’s reflections on the 2022 election, where Ruto triumphed over former Prime Minister Raila Odinga despite Odinga’s backing from then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, served as a cautionary tale for those underestimating Ruto’s political prowess.
Meanwhile, Omtatah has begun laying the groundwork for his presidential bid, officially launching an exploratory campaign and appointing a 10-member committee led by Mary Kathomi.
This team of political strategists, activists, and legal experts has been tasked with conducting nationwide opinion polls and formulating strategies to challenge potential opponents.
