Collage of COTU SG Francis Atwoli and ex-DP Rigathi GachaguaCOTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after the former DP questioned his continued participation in national political discussions.
Gachagua, who was speaking during an interview while in the United States, questioned why media platforms continued to invite Atwoli for interviews, arguing that the veteran trade unionist should not be part of conversations on how to run the country.
"Sometimes these (TV) presenters really irritate Kenyans. Why would you want to call Atwoli to a studio and give him one hour? What can he tell Gen Zs? That is a fellow who should be near a fireplace with his great-grandchildren, telling them stories about ogres," he remarked.
"He should not be anywhere in the national conversation about how to run a country," the DCP leader added.
Atwoli has since responded in a detailed post, accusing Gachagua of repeatedly invoking his name in an attempt to remain politically relevant.
“Rigathi Gachagua should stop using my name to remain politically relevant because it appears to me that he has finally understood the reach and influence of myself, Francis Atwoli,” Atwoli said.
“This explains why every time he opens his mouth, it is Atwoli, Atwoli, Atwoli!”
Atwoli also challenged Gachagua’s criticism of his media appearances, saying he had given relatively few interviews compared with the former deputy president.
He claimed that during the same period, Gachagua had granted numerous interviews across different media platforms.
He contrasted the number of interviews he said the two had given, arguing that his own limited media appearances had nonetheless attracted Gachagua’s attention.
“Around the same period, I have done only two, and somehow those two are enough to deny him sleep,” he said.
The COTU boss further criticised Gachagua’s activities in the United States, suggesting that the former deputy president should concentrate on golf instead of what he described as repeatedly focusing on him.
“Someone please tell Riggy G to concentrate on perfecting his golf swing in the US,” Atwoli said.
He also disputed Gachagua’s reference to his place of origin, saying the former deputy president had incorrectly identified it.
“Gachagua claims that I come from Kisa North, which is false. I come from Kisa Central, in Khwisero constituency of Kakamega County,” Atwoli said.
