Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli on Friday took a swipe at Deputy President William Ruto as he urged his Kanu party leader, Gideon Moi, to join ODM leader Raila Odinga in his bid to form the next government.
Speaking during Raila's Azimio la Umoja event at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday, Atwoli said, "In 2014, I was the first to tell people that this young man William Ruto cannot lead Kenya..."
He went on to say he supports Raila because he has promised to improve working conditions for Kenyans.
"Kenya gained independence because of people like Raila. We will support Raila because he also supports employees. Ruto is not fit to lead this country," Atwoli said.
He went on to say, "I want to assure you Raila that we won't leave Gideon in Oka... Moi told us not to leave you behind. We will not leave you in Oka...We will not leave you in Oka."
Gideon is the only co-principal of Oka who attended Raila’s big event, breaking ranks with his colleagues, who have skipped the convention.
Gideon was among dignitaries who first made their way to Safari Park hotel to accompany the former Prime Minister to the stadium.
The Baringo senator was accompanied by Kanu secretary general Nick Salat and Tiaty MP William Kamket.
On Thursday, Oka bosses Musalia Mudavadi (ANC) and Moses Wetang'ula (Ford Kenya) said they would not attend the event.
Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka is away in South Sudan.
"I will not be able to attend because of my personal engagements. Raila Odinga is a worthy competitor, I wish him well because tomorrow will clearly be his day in the sun," Mudavadi said.
The ANC leader has in recent weeks launched scathing attacks on Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta, dimming any chances of a political deal.
Wiper officials confirmed that Kalonzo is in Juba for official engagements and will skip the event.
Kalonzo is Kenya's Special envoy to South Sudan.
"He is not around, so he won't attend. That is confirmed," Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr told the Star.
Edited by CM
