Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah’s recently gazetted a committee to review his 2027 Presidential Bid.
His announcement has sparked debate, with COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli weighing in.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s JKLive, Atwoli emphasized the need for alliances and financial preparedness, calling on Omtatah to rally support from key Western Kenya leaders like Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
“Okiyah must bring the Western leadership together,” Atwoli said. “He must consult figures like Amos Wako, move to Bungoma to engage Wetang’ula, and seek Mudavadi’s guidance. From there, let him organize a caucus. Only then can we evaluate whether he stands a chance.”
Political muscle
Atwoli dismissed Omtatah’s plan to use conduct research and opinion polls, proposing a more grounded approach to politics. He argued that success in leadership requires more than data.
“You can conduct endless research,” he noted, “but there are key steps to political success that you must be guided through.”
He also pointed to financial readiness as a critical factor, advising Omtatah to consider the monetary demands of a presidential campaign. Atwoli urged the Senator to evaluate his resources, cautioning against dependence on external donors.
“When vying for a major political position, you need savings. Nobody wants to align with a candidate who lacks financial backing,” he added.
Backing Ruto’s Re-Election
The veteran unionist expressed confidence in President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027, crediting his calculated political appointments and strong regional support.
Reflecting on the 2022 election, Atwoli noted that Ruto’s win over Raila Odinga—despite Odinga’s endorsement by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta—showed Ruto’s political strategy.
“With Ruto’s current trajectory, he’ll likely secure re-election with ease. In 2022, we had the support of a sitting president and still lost. If you’re betting, place your money on Ruto,” Atwoli said.
Omtatah’s Vision
In response to Atwoli’s sentiments, Omtatah fired back, challenging the narrative that wealth dictates political viability. He insisted that leadership is anchored in integrity, vision, and service—not privilege.
“Ordinary Kenyans, not wealth or privilege, are the backbone of any genuine movement for change,” Omtatah declared. He outlined his commitment to a campaign driven by ideas and grassroots engagement, rather than extravagant spending.
During an event to unveil the 10-member presidential exploratory committee, Omtatah emphasized the need for a people-centered approach. His team of political strategists, activists, and legal experts will conduct opinion polls and develop strategies to gauge his popularity.
Omtatah highlighted his plan to fully implement the 2010 Constitution, noting that its unfulfilled provisions hinder Kenya’s progress. He pointed to specific sections on public finance, noting the lack of political will to enforce them.
“Our focus is on the Constitution’s full implementation. It’s a transformative tool for this country’s future,” he said. “We’re not running on money but ideas and a solid track record of standing for what’s right.”
Atwoli’s Stance on Ruto and Kalonzo
While Omtatah expressed confidence about unseating Ruto, Atwoli maintained that Ruto’s position remains unshakable.
He also observed Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s potential candidacy, looking back at his past role in Azimio.
“I advised Kalonzo to take charge because Raila seemed tired. But for 2027, the outcome is already clear,” Atwoli stated.