Speaking during a Citizen TV interview on Wednesday night, January 7, Atwoli argued that Kenyatta’s lack of hands-on involvement weakened the Azimio la Umoja campaign, ultimately contributing to Raila’s defeat at the ballot.
According to Atwoli, mere public endorsement was not enough, insisting that Kenyatta should have taken charge of mobilising key political players and coordinating campaign teams across the country.
“Even if Uhuru were to run in 2027, he would not defeat President William Ruto. After elections, we must accept defeat.”
The trade unionist maintained that Kenyatta appeared supportive on the surface but failed to bring together influential leaders and campaign strategists who were critical to Raila’s presidential push.
“He looked like he was supporting Baba, but at no point did he convene meetings with those on the frontline of Raila’s campaign,” Atwoli added.
Atwoli also took aim at former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who has recently been named Jubilee Party’s Deputy Party Leader and has openly declared interest in the 2027 presidential race with backing from Kenyatta.
He cautioned Matiang’i against placing too much faith in Kenyatta’s support, arguing that the former president’s track record casts doubt on his ability to successfully back a candidate to victory.
“I now hear Uhuru wants Matiang’i to be President,” Atwoli said. “If Matiang’i is not careful, Uhuru will not make him President. If he failed to make Raila President, how will he make Matiang’i one?”
The remarks are likely to intensify debate within opposition circles as early manoeuvres for the 2027 contest begin to take shape.
Atwoli’s comments come amid growing internal friction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which continues to grapple with divisions over its role in the broad-based government.
The rift has largely centered on ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and a section of party leaders who have openly criticised the government, despite ODM being part of the ruling coalition arrangement.
On Wednesday, ODM party leader Oburu Odinga met with Sifuna at the party’s Nairobi offices in a bid to calm tensions and restore unity within the party ranks.
In a statement following the meeting, Oburu said the discussions focused on reinforcing dialogue, cohesion, and unity among ODM leaders at a time when the party faces increasing political pressure.
Sifuna has faced sustained calls from some party members demanding his removal, accusing him of undermining the broad-based government through public criticism.
However, Oburu defended the Nairobi Senator, describing him as a principled and sober leader whose commitment to democratic values remains vital to the party.
He further dismissed attempts to silence dissenting voices within ODM, stressing that open debate and freedom of expression are core pillars of the party’s identity.
The trade unionist maintained that Kenyatta appeared supportive on the surface but failed to bring together influential leaders and campaign strategists who were critical to Raila’s presidential push.
“He looked like he was supporting Baba, but at no point did he convene meetings with those on the frontline of Raila’s campaign,” Atwoli added.
Atwoli also took aim at former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who has recently been named Jubilee Party’s Deputy Party Leader and has openly declared interest in the 2027 presidential race with backing from Kenyatta.
He cautioned Matiang’i against placing too much faith in Kenyatta’s support, arguing that the former president’s track record casts doubt on his ability to successfully back a candidate to victory.
“I now hear Uhuru wants Matiang’i to be President,” Atwoli said. “If Matiang’i is not careful, Uhuru will not make him President. If he failed to make Raila President, how will he make Matiang’i one?”
The remarks are likely to intensify debate within opposition circles as early manoeuvres for the 2027 contest begin to take shape.
Atwoli’s comments come amid growing internal friction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which continues to grapple with divisions over its role in the broad-based government.
The rift has largely centered on ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and a section of party leaders who have openly criticised the government, despite ODM being part of the ruling coalition arrangement.
On Wednesday, ODM party leader Oburu Odinga met with Sifuna at the party’s Nairobi offices in a bid to calm tensions and restore unity within the party ranks.
In a statement following the meeting, Oburu said the discussions focused on reinforcing dialogue, cohesion, and unity among ODM leaders at a time when the party faces increasing political pressure.
Sifuna has faced sustained calls from some party members demanding his removal, accusing him of undermining the broad-based government through public criticism.
However, Oburu defended the Nairobi Senator, describing him as a principled and sober leader whose commitment to democratic values remains vital to the party.
He further dismissed attempts to silence dissenting voices within ODM, stressing that open debate and freedom of expression are core pillars of the party’s identity.
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