“I Can Raise KSh 1 Billion in a Minute:” Atwoli Slams ‘External Puppets,’ Declares Total Political Lockdown in Western Kenya
Politics Updated: 13 July 2026 11:03 EAT
Photo courtesy: COTU Boss Francis Atwoli
The political landscape in Western Kenya has been thrown into a sharp spin as Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli launched a blistering counter-offensive against a rising political wave threatening traditional regional kingpins. The veteran labor leader took direct aim at his detractors, claiming they are puppets serving external masters intent on fracturing the unity of the Luhya nation.
Addressing a highly animated crowd during a public engagement, Atwoli asserted his authority over the community's leadership narrative. He boldly made it clear that any politician harboring ambitions to lead the Mulembe nation or launch a serious bid for the presidency must pass through recognized channels. He insisted that true leadership cannot be self-proclaimed or managed in isolation.
"Mtu hawezi kusema yeye anataka kuwa mkubwa wa Waluya bila mimi kujua," Atwoli stated emphatically. "Hiyo nataka niwaambie ukweli kwa ajili kiti cha kutafuta kiti kikubwa inataka pesa."
He stressed that mounting a successful national campaign requires an immense financial war chest and heavy political machinery.
Boasting of his extensive network of deep-pocketed allies, the COTU boss claimed that individual wealth alone cannot secure the presidency. He stated that his connections could easily mobilize the financial backing needed to run a formidable campaign.
"Na wewe ukitaka kuwa president katika Kenya hii, mimi ndio naweza kusaidia wewe kurace hata one billion kwa dakika moja ndio uwe president," he claimed.
Atwoli dismissed political greenhorns who believe they can fund their own paths to the top seat without the endorsement of established regional leaders. He questioned where independent candidates would find the necessary capital if they refused to cooperate with seasoned political networks.
"Utauliza upresident na pesa ya kusaidiwa? Utatafuta pesa kiti ya urais bila kusaidiwa?" he posed.
The trade unionist claimed that the local political landscape has been infiltrated by external saboteurs who are sponsoring local leaders to cause division. He warned that the community is fully aware of those who have been bought off by outsiders. "Sisi ndio tuna marafiki na sisi ndio tunaweza kukusaidia wewe upate urais," he noted.
"Pesa ya mtu binafsi haiwezi kukufanya kuwa rais... Watu wengine wametumwa na wengine na sisi tunawajua."
Directly challenging the political actors trying to create new factions in Western Kenya, Atwoli declared that the region would not tolerate division for personal gain.
"Na huwezi kuja kugawa jamii yetu kwa ajili wewe umetumwa," Atwoli warned sternly. "Mimi nataka kuwaambia nyinyi, na mimi nataka kuwaambia nyinyi..."
To cement regional solidarity, the COTU boss announced the date for the highly anticipated Bukhungu 3 political convention. He declared that the massive convention would take place at the end of the year to draw boundaries and lock out unauthorized political activity.
"Kuna Bukhungu tatu inakuja tarehe 26 mwezi wa 12 Disemba hapa Bukhungu. Ukitaka kutembea Western, tembea kati ya sasa na tarehe 26. Baada ya tarehe 26, huu mkoa tutafunga."
Atwoli directly condemned the "Tawe" political movement, a strong reformist wave making inroads in Western Kenya. He told the locals to fully distance themselves from the breakaway faction, describing it as an unwelcome disruption. "Senzi sana unasikia hiyo?" he asked the crowd, adding,
"Usijiunge na kikundi kinasema tawe."
Defending his alignment with the national government, Atwoli urged residents to evaluate the tangible development projects initiated in the area. He argued that the current administration has pumped billions into local infrastructure, rendering the opposition's rhetoric useless.
"Kwa ajili ukiangalia maendeleo na mabilioni ya pesa ambayo serikali ya sasa imemwaga katika mkoa huu ni mabilioni," he argued.
In his final remarks, Atwoli pointed to physical monuments of state funding, including sports facilities and road networks, as proof of the benefits of political cooperation. He concluded by urging the electorate to keep their eyes on the tangible progress surrounding them.
"Angalia stadium yetu hii ya Kakamega. Angalia mabarabara angalia kila kitu. Zile pesa zimemwagwa hapa na serikali ni pesa mingi sana."
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD