Atwoli urges Ruto, Raila talks to end maandamano
Cotu secretary-general Francis Atwoli has urged President William Ruto to find a way to unite the country.
Mr Atwoli further warned the opposition that going to the streets to protest against a duly elected government will not change the status quo.
He stressed the need for both parties to engage and avert street protests which he warned could slow down the economy at the expense of Kenyans.
“What makes us think that going to the streets for maandamano will change the status quo? There are other situations that are irreversible,” Atwloi said.
He urged the opposition led by Azimio leader Raila Odinga to accept that President Ruto fairly defeated them in the August 2022 polls.
The union boss also faulted former president Uhuru Kenyatta for politicking after retirement when he is supposed to be serving the role of mediator at disputes.
“You took an oath, and Mr Uhuru Kenyatta handed you the sword to lead the nation. I said when you retire peacefully you must be a peacemaker. You cannot lower yourself again and become an activist. The son of Kenyatta is supposed to be a peacemaker.”
Mr Atwoli was a great critic of President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza team during the campaigns, and he is known for his phrases that were meant to demean the other side from ascending to power.
However, he was among the first people to congratulate President Ruto when he was declared the winner of the polls by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commision (IEBC).
Mr Atwoli has also asked President Ruto to consider reaching out to Mr Odinga, and offer him any available position to keep him busy.
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