Francis Atwoli is known for his sharp political commentary and larger-than-life personality, but a recently viral TikTok clip showed a different, funnier side of the COTU secretary general, one that had veteran journalist Jeff Koinange doubled over in laughter.
The clip, filmed during a sit-down interview on Citizen TV’s programme on Sunday, September 20, 2026, captured Atwoli making a candid and rather surprising admission that he once told his cousin, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, that he should have appointed Jeff as head of his press unit.
How Atwoli tried to get Uhuru to hire Jeff
Speaking to Koinange, Atwoli argued he was uniquely qualified for the role, describing him as someone who knows how to deal with media professionals, organise press logistics and connect with people on the ground.
He told Koinange directly:
“This would have been the right person to lead your press unit,” pointing to his ability to manage public address systems and relations with journalists as proof of his credentials.
Atwoli went on to suggest, with barely concealed amusement, that Uhuru’s team simply did not recognise the talent in front of them.
“You was more smarter than them,” he told Koinange jokingly, implying the journalist would have understood his value better than the presidential inner circle did.
The exchange was warm and playful, with both men clearly enjoying themselves.
Atwoli also touched on broader political themes during the interview, comparing Raila Odinga’s command of loyalty among his supporters to the current political landscape, noting that no leader today commands the same organic following.
The clip shared on TikTok quickly caught fire, with viewers charmed by Atwoli’s storytelling style and his willingness to poke fun at himself and his family ties to the former president.
