Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary-general Francis Atwoli has dismissed former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i’s reported bid to vie for president in the 2027 General Election.
In a presser on Tuesday, January 28, Atwoli said, having interacted with Matiang’i during their Azimio days, he cannot make it to unseat President William Ruto in 2027.
The COTU boss opined that presidential elections in Kenya are determined by ethnic blocs and Matiang’i’s supposed lack of ethnic alignment will dent his chances.
Further, Atwoli poked holes in the former Interior CS’s leadership style, saying he would hurt Kenyans with over taxation should he clinch the top seat.
The trade unionist also took issue with Matiang’i not openly campaigning for Raila Odinga during the run-up to the 2022 General Election yet he was the government’s presidential candidate.
"Can you tell me that Matiang'i can be the president of Kenya? I have worked with Matiang'i. He is a tax collector more than Ruto. I know him. He cannot be president.When we were in Azimio and we were leaving, Matiang'i did not even campaign for Raila. He did not stand up or appear anywhere supporting Raila. They were busy in the office of the president making money. I know them, I was there," said Atwoli.
