Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has claimed that he holds significant influence over Western Kenya’s votes, saying money alone cannot guarantee victory in a presidential election.

Speaking during an event on Sunday, July 12, 2026, Atwoli said anyone seeking the presidency would need support from key networks and leaders, arguing that personal wealth was not enough to secure the country’s top seat.

Atwoli said presidential campaigns require resources but insisted that financial power must be backed by political support.

“Kwa ajili ya kutafuta kiti kikubwa, inataka pesa. Unaskia hiyo maneno. Na wewe ukitaka kuwa president katika Kenya hii, mimi ndio nitaweza kukusaidia wewe kuwa rais,” Atwoli said.

The veteran trade unionist said presidential candidates must build alliances and seek support from people who can mobilise voters across different regions.

“Pesa ya mtu binafsi haiwezi kufanya kuwa rais kama pesa ya kusaidiwa,” he said.

Atwoli has previously positioned himself as an influential voice in Western Kenya politics, a region that has historically played a major role in national elections.

Warning against political divisions

During the event, Atwoli urged residents to be cautious about political messages from different leaders, saying some individuals could be attempting to divide communities.

“Mambo ingine si ya kweli hata. Watu wengine wametumwa na wengine. Na sisi tutawajua. Na huwezi kuja kugawa jamii yetu kwa ajili wewe umetumwa,” he said.

His remarks come as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 general election, with different leaders seeking support from key voting blocs.

Atwoli also announced plans for another major political gathering at Bukhungu Stadium, saying leaders and residents would assemble on December 26.

“There is Bukhungu coming on December 26 here at Bukhungu. If you want to tour Western, tour between now and December 26. After December 26, this region will close,” he said.

The planned gathering follows previous political meetings held at the venue, which has become a symbolic location for political mobilisation in Western Kenya.

Praises government projects

Atwoli also praised development projects undertaken by President William Ruto’s administration in Western Kenya, saying the region had received significant government investment.

He cited projects including the Kakamega Stadium and road improvements as examples of government spending in the region.

“When you look at development and the billions of money that the current government has poured into this region, it is billions. Look at our Kakamega Stadium. Look at the roads, look at everything. Money has been poured here by the government and it is a lot of money,” he said.

The comments come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential contest, with parties and leaders seeking support from regions considered influential in determining national election outcomes.

Atwoli, who has led COTU for years, has often spoken on national political issues while maintaining influence among workers and political leaders.

In July 2026, he also criticised the government’s handling of President William Ruto’s proposed 12 per cent general wage increase for workers, demanding that the commitment be formally implemented.

Atwoli said the gazetted wage adjustment did not reflect the broader salary increase promised by the president during Labour Day celebrations.

“The recent gazettement appears to have focused on adjustments to the statutory minimum wage instead of giving legal effect to the president’s directive on a general wage increase applicable across the workforce,” Atwoli said in a statement.

His latest remarks on Western Kenya votes add to the growing political debate as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.