Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive on Wednesday, Atwoli questioned claims that Uhuru could successfully back Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i for the presidency, insisting that political goodwill alone is not enough to deliver electoral victory.
Atwoli maintained that although Uhuru publicly supported Raila Odinga in the last election, his involvement lacked clarity and decisive leadership, leaving Raila’s campaign team uncertain about the former president’s true level of commitment.
“There were no meetings to bring together the frontline teams, no clear direction. We didn’t know where we stood.”
He echoed sentiments previously expressed by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who had questioned how campaign funds and coordination were managed during the 2022 polls.
Atwoli insisted that Raila was not to blame for any operational failures.
“Baba was an honest man. He could not have received money and failed to pay agents. The confusion was elsewhere,” he stated.
Turning to Uhuru’s reported support for Matiang’i, Atwoli warned the former Interior Cabinet Secretary to chart his own political path rather than relying heavily on Uhuru’s backing.
“If Uhuru could not make Raila president, how will he make Matiang’i president?” Atwoli posed. “Even in his own backyard, he could not deliver MPs or MCAs under Jubilee.”
Atwoli argued that while Uhuru may have wished Raila well, he lacked the political machinery required to translate intent into electoral success.
“Wishing is different from having the ability. He may have wanted Raila to win, but he did not have the muscle to make it happen,” he said.
On the future of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Atwoli dismissed claims that the party was collapsing following Raila Odinga’s death.
He noted that while the party is experiencing internal challenges, it still has room to reorganise and stabilise.
“This is not the end of ODM. They are going through inevitable teething problems, but they can still find their footing,” Atwoli said.
He expressed confidence in the current leadership, saying the party remains in capable hands under Oburu Odinga.
According to Atwoli, many of the internal disagreements currently rocking ODM would likely have been avoided had Raila still been alive and actively guiding the party’s direction.
“This is not the end of ODM. They are going through inevitable teething problems, but they can still find their footing,” Atwoli said.
He expressed confidence in the current leadership, saying the party remains in capable hands under Oburu Odinga.
According to Atwoli, many of the internal disagreements currently rocking ODM would likely have been avoided had Raila still been alive and actively guiding the party’s direction.
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