Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has critisized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of actively working against the government he swore to serve.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving event held at Turbo Catholic Church, Atwoli Said:
“As a leader, you took the oath and even asked God to help you as you run the government. How do you start contradicting the government yet you sit in the cabinet and the security council and there is the oath of secrecy that you took. You should be arrested.”
Also Read: Rigathi Gachagua Claims MPs Were Offered Millions To Push His Impeachment
Warnings of Political Instability
Atwoli drew parallels between unrest in Kenya and ongoing conflicts in other African nations, particularly Sudan. He emphasized the importance of political stability and urged swift action against those who might jeopardize it:
“Many countries in Africa, including Sudan, are facing problems because of war, and anyone who wants to cause similar problems in our country should be arrested and prosecuted for the sake of securing the lives of Kenyans.”
Call for Unity and Support for President Ruto
The COTU boss reiterated his advice to Gachagua, stressing the importance of supporting President William Ruto’s agenda:
“After elections, I told Gachagua that if you want to succeed, you should work closely with your boss by supporting him fully,” Atwoli recounted.
He also highlighted the support President Ruto enjoys from Western Kenya leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Speaker Moses Wetangula.
Challenging Regional Rhetoric
Atwoli took issue with what he perceived as divisive regional rhetoric, particularly regarding the Mount Kenya region:
“We don’t want anyone to keep on telling us about the mountain, which belongs to all of us. That is why it’s called Mt Kenya just like Mt Kilimanjaro, which is for all people in East Africa,” he stated, advocating for a more inclusive national identity.
Echoes of Unity from Other Leaders
Farouk Kibet, a close aide to President Ruto, echoed Atwoli’s sentiments on national unity:
“Even for President Ruto to win, he needed all Kenyans, and we all must cherish peace and unity as the cornerstone of our nation,” Kibet affirmed.
Other political figures present, including MPs from various constituencies, voiced similar opinions. Notably, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri distanced the broader Kikuyu community from Gachagua’s actions:
“For us in that region, we will continue to support the President and urge our people not to be misled by someone who has selfish interests,” Kiunjuri asserted.
The event, which saw participation from various political figures and was presided over by Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret, served as a platform for these leaders to reaffirm their commitment to national unity and support for President Ruto’s administration.
Meanwhile, Gachagua claimed that MPs were being offer 5 Million to impeach him
