The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has expressed confidence that Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader will clinch the African Union Commission Chairperson position.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s JKLive show on Wednesday night the outspoken leader predicted Odinga’s triumph in the oncoming AUC elections saying that if the latter was to emerge victorious, his perceived nemesis, President William Ruto should be owed the credit.
Atwoli who constantly praised the head of state over his public declaration of his unwavering support of the Azimio chief’s AUC bid mulled that Ruto’s efforts would soon bear fruits after Odinga wins the seat.
“Raila is a member of ODM but when Ruto got information Raila wanted to become chairman of the African Union, he just said toa hiyo meza, nipe jacket, he is out without a formal agreement, without a handshake, taking everybody unaware including those in Azimio, ODM and Kenya Kwanza moved fast and supported the move,” he said.
“On Ruto’s efforts, Baba will get it. With these efforts William is making, he is going to get it.”
The Trade Unionist further commended President Ruto for being astute and shrewd in supporting Odinga despite their political differences, something he said was unheard of in the past, even from his (Ruto) predecessors.
“Nobody invited William Ruto. He decided as a Kenyan, that if this is a Kenyan, through your weight on him,” Atwoli said.
“We now have a proposer, a seconder and supporters on the efforts Willam Ruto has made. He has taken over the whole of West Africa and Central African Republics…you cannot go there and say that because these are French-speaking countries and am a candidate they will vote for me.”
At the same time, Atwoli remained optimistic that even if Odinga loses the AUC bid, he will still be accepted by Kenyans without any prejudice.
“If he doesn’t he is a Kenyan, he will still come back home, what will have to happen? This country is bigger than all of us if you get one favor from a head of state to support you, it does not mean if you lose that favour the country will go down under,” Atwoli noted.
