Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) secretary general Francis Atwoli has claimed that external forces are pushing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to pursue the presidency in 2027 to split Western Kenya's voting bloc.
Atwoli questioned the interests behind Sifuna's presidential ambitions, arguing that the move could weaken the region's political influence and undermine its prospects of producing a presidential candidate in the 2032 elections.
Speaking at a public event in Western Kenya, Atwoli said there were individuals who did not want the region's votes consolidated behind one political candidate in the next general election.
He cited Sifuna's recent remarks urging residents not to listen to leaders such as himself, while at the same time encouraging them to attend his planned December 26 meeting in Kakamega and declare support for his presidential bid.
"You heard Sifuna the other day telling people from this region not to listen to people like me. And then he is telling people to attend my December 26 meeting in Kakamega and declare support for him," Atwoli said.
"We must ask ourselves, who is using our son? Who has sent him?"
The COTU boss dismissed Sifuna's presidential ambitions, saying the Nairobi senator was not yet ready to lead the country.
Atwoli further alleged that Sifuna's candidature could be part of a wider political scheme to divide Western Kenya's support and deny the region an opportunity to build a formidable presidential campaign in the future.
"Someone is sending Sifuna to split Western votes so that in 2032 we are unable to field a presidential candidate and get support from other parts of the country," he said.
Atwoli also claimed President William Ruto already enjoys substantial support across the country, estimating that he commands more than 10 million votes ahead of the 2027 elections.
He cited Coast, Nyanza, North Eastern and Rift Valley as regions where Ruto enjoys support, arguing that Western Kenya should not be left out of the President's political support base.
"Let us not allow Ruto to be re-elected without the votes from Western Kenya. Let no one mislead you into supporting another presidential candidate," Atwoli said.
