KHWISERO, Kenya — Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has criticised former President Uhuru Kenyatta over alleged efforts to influence political alignments in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Khwisero during an inspection tour of a Level Four hospital under construction, Atwoli claimed Uhuru was attempting to divide the Western Kenya region by supporting Nairobi Senator and Linda Mwananchi leader Edwin Sifuna.
Atwoli compared the alleged backing of Sifuna to Uhuru’s role in the 2022 presidential campaign, when the former president supported Raila Odinga’s bid under the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
He claimed Uhuru failed to deliver the expected support for Raila’s campaign and would similarly be unable to propel Sifuna to the presidency.
“In Azimio, he (Uhuru) told us he will give Sh400 million for agents, and he did not. He left Raila and now he says Sifuna will get money,” Atwoli said.
“He just wants to use him to divide you. I urge you to remain vigilant.”
Atwoli warns against division in Western Kenya
Atwoli urged members of the Mulembe community to remain united and resist what he described as attempts to manipulate the region’s political direction.
He and other leaders present at the event said political differences should not be allowed to divide communities ahead of the 2027 election.
They called for political leaders to prioritise peace, unity and the interests of residents rather than pursuing strategies that could deepen political divisions.
Atwoli’s remarks come as political parties and opposition leaders intensify efforts to build alliances and identify candidates ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Uhuru denies plans to return to active politics
The former president has meanwhile rejected claims that he is seeking to return to active politics or pursue another political position.
Speaking during the annual memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, on Sunday, Uhuru said he was not interested in holding political office.
He also urged politicians to stop attempting to prevent their rivals from holding public rallies, arguing that leaders should instead focus on presenting their manifestos and political programmes to voters.
Uhuru’s comments came amid growing speculation over his alleged involvement in opposition politics and claims by President William Ruto’s allies that the former president is financing opposition figures.
Sifuna denies Uhuru is funding opposition
Sifuna has emerged as one of the prominent figures associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has been conducting political rallies and public engagements across several parts of the country.
President Ruto’s allies have accused Uhuru of supporting opposition politicians, including Sifuna and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, as they position themselves for the 2027 presidential race.
Sifuna, however, has remained non-committal about whether he will personally seek the presidency.
Western Kenya becomes key political battleground
The exchange comes as political competition intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with different political camps seeking to consolidate support in Western Kenya and other key voting blocs.
