Atwoli: President Ruto will lead Kenya for 10 years

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has once again weighed in on national politics, expressing confidence that President William Ruto could serve Kenya for 10 years.

Atwoli commended the Kenya Kwanza administration under President Ruto’s leadership for what he termed as notable progress.

“Nataka nishukuru Serikali kwa kazi mzuri imefanywa chini ya William Samoei Ruto,” Atwoli said on Saturday during a thanksgiving ceremony for National Police Service Commission (NPSC) chairperson Yuda Komora in Tana River County.

He further praised the president’s commitment to work.

“Ruto amefanya kazi kwa bidii sana. Na nataka kuwaambia mambo ya 2027, msishtuke hata dakika moja... by 10 am, Ruto will be your president. I have been there for some time; prepare yourselves to stay with him for 10 years," he said.

Loosely translates to Ruto has worked very hard. And I want to tell you about 2027 — don’t be surprised, not even for a minute… by 10 am, Ruto will be your president.

The veteran trade unionist, once a strong critic of Ruto, said Kenyans should acknowledge that the Head of State currently commands significant political influence.

Atwoli also commented on the opposition, suggesting that some of its leaders focus more on personal or strategic interests than on offering alternative policy ideas.

“Watu wako upinzani wote mimi nawajua sana na wengi ni marafiki zangu. Wengine wanahusishwa na siasa za kibiashara, wengine wanaendesha vyama kama miradi ya kisiasa,” he said.

Loosely translates to, ''I know all the people in the opposition very well, and many of them are my friends. Some are involved in politics as a business, while others run parties like political projects.''

He added that in his view, the most consistent opposition voice remains ODM leader Raila Odinga, whom he credited for supporting the idea of a broad-based government.

"The only opposition politician in this country is Raila, and when he speaks, he speaks clearly. He has said that he supports a broad-based government,” he said.

Atwoli also welcomed the decision by the Kanu party, led by its chairman Gideon Moi, to cooperate with the government.

Moi announced on Friday during an event at his Kabarak home, attended by President Ruto, that he would not be seeking an elective position.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and host Governor Dado Godana were also present during the thanksgiving ceremony.

Several other elected leaders, including Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, attended the event.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and NPSC commissioners were also in attendance.