Whether it’s through his flashy dress sense, grandiose statements, unapologetic displays of wealth or outbursts of ‘alaa?’ and ‘shenzi sana’, Atwoli projects an image of power and authority that resonates with admirers and critics alike.
Atwoli’s leadership has undoubtedly brought attention to workers’ issues in Kenya and elevated the profile of Cotu both regionally and globally.
Indeed, he has earned international recognition for his labour advocacy, serving in influential roles such as a member of the International Labour Organization governing body and the president of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity.
These positions accord Atwoli the space to influence labour policies beyond Kenya.
Besides, he has been vocal about the impact of globalisation and technological advancements on workers, urging the public and private sectors to adopt policies that protect jobs and ensure equitable economic growth and shared prosperity.
Atwoli is adept at using the media to amplify his political influence.
Be it giving interviews, hosting grand public events, or making bold statements, he ensures his voice is always part of national conversations.
And so, when renowned journalist Jeff Koinange recently hosted him on his popular show JK Live, I purposed to watch, keen to partake of the nuggets of wisdom Papa Atwoli was going to serve on the show.
I expected him in his element waltzing lyrical about Kenyan politics, dissecting the state of the nation and governance dynamics, and generally speaking the truth to power. Instead of vintage Atwoli, the person that turned out was Francis the ‘youth winger’ and systems apologist singing praises of the status quo that would have made Peter Castro Oloo Aringo, the ultimate Kanu loyalist, blue with envy.
Atwoli off handedly dismissed the potential competitiveness of the 2027 presidential election throwing his support behind big-money politics.
In the interview, he endorsed President William Ruto as a “shoo-in” for the 2027 presidency, dismissing and rubbishing potential candidates as poor.
Now, Atwoli has every constitutional right to back whichever candidate he wishes to.
And yes, 2027 may just be a walk in the park for President Ruto. But, pray, upon what shoulders of fact would such an assessment climb?
For a man well conversant with Kenya’s fluid politics and the myriad factors that influence electoral dynamics, his views were overly simplistic and uninformed.
Besides, having been a key critic of Ruto during the 2022 election campaign, his remarks raise significant questions about his political credibility and motives.
You see, Kenyan politics is known for shifting alliances and unpredictable voter behaviour.
While Ruto currently enjoys incumbency, new coalitions, or discontent within his administration, could shift the political landscape.
In addition, his government will be judged by its economic record, particularly its handling of inflation, unemployment, taxation and public debt.
Failure to meet expectations could weaken his re-election bid.
The 2022 election demonstrated that a well-executed grassroots strategy can topple seemingly insurmountable odds.
While Ruto has consolidated power by bringing on board his erstwhile political opponent Raila Odinga, it is his administration’s performance on economic and governance issues that will determine his political fate, not disingenuous advocacy relying on falsehoods, distortions, or manipulated narratives.
Shifting alliances suggest a tendency to align with those in power rather than principled advocacy for workers’ interests or ideological traction.
While he is a charismatic and consummate speaker, his theatrics often overshadow substantive engagement with Kenya’s socio-political ecosystem.
Unfortunately, as a long-serving trade unionist, he represents an entrenched leadership that has grown out of touch with the everyday struggles of Kenyans.
This brings me to the question: Is Atwoli a gun for hire or a representative of a recognisable thought-out paradigm? After careful analysis, I am afraid to observe that his endorsements and political pronouncements all along may have been, at best, opportunistic and aimed at securing personal relevance and favours from those in power.
To this extent, Atwoli represents a political paradigm rooted in old-school labour politics, where union leaders wield influence by negotiating proximity to political power.
This approach is increasingly becoming untenable in modern Kenya, where voters and workers demand accountability and results over rhetoric and innuendos.
While Atwoli remains influential, his style and shifting loyalties and alliances exemplify a ‘shenzi’ political culture many Kenyans are eager to move beyond—one that thrives on patronage, ideological ineptness, primitive accumulation, idiocy, praise singing, ethnic mobilisation, hyperbole and a lack of accountability.
His pronouncements should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve, as they often merely reflect the prevailing winds of power rather than deep political insight or commitment. This brand of tired, lazy politics must go
