Deputy President Dr. William Ruto joins Salvation Army faithful in a Sunday worship song during funds raising for Kakamega Salvation Army Territory Hotel and conference center at Salvation Army Township secondary school on April 14, 2019. [Benjamin Sakwa]
Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli has been accused of working with Deputy President William Ruto’s opponents to scuttle the latter's presidential bid.
Speaking in Kakamega yesterday, at an event attended by Ruto, the allies criticised Atwoli for his remarks that the DP’s name will not be on the ballot in the 2022 presidential election.
Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka, Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, MPs John Waluke (Sirisia), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo) as well as former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale were present.
The leaders from western Kenya allied to Ruto termed Atwoli’s remarks as reckless.
On Saturday at a fundraiser at Mkunguni Square in Lamu County, Atwoli told Ruto’s allies that they should stop wasting time and resources campaigning for someone whose name will not be on the ballot.
“We will have a referendum and let’s support it. At the time of election, Hassan Joho will be on the list of those forming government but William Ruto’s name will not be on the list. The only people you will see are those standing for justice,” said Atwoli.
But Khalwale said Atwoli was serving the interests of Ruto’s political detractors led by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
