Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has strongly dismissed claims that the Mulembe nation is divided.

Speaking during an interview with one of the local TV stations on the night of Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Atwoli termed such narratives as media-created propaganda and political mischief driven by those who hate Western Kenya.

Speaking during a public engagement, Atwoli argued that diversity of opinion within a populous community should not be mistaken for division, insisting that unity does not mean uniformity.

“Where we have a populous community, people cannot move towards one direction, but that does not mean that the community is divided. This issue of division is a creation of the press and politicians who hate us,” Atwoli said.

2022 voting patterns

The veteran trade unionist pointed to voting patterns in the 2022 General Election as evidence that Western Kenya remains politically cohesive.

He noted that counties such as Busia and Kakamega overwhelmingly backed the Azimio la Umoja coalition, while Bungoma also recorded significant Azimio support.

“Look at when we went for elections in 2022 and what happened; Busia was 100 per cent Azimio, Kakamega was 100 per cent Azimio, and in Bungoma we had supporters of Azimio, so this shows that the Mulembe nation is united,” he stated.

Supporting Kenya Kwanza

Atwoli further addressed current political realignments in the region, particularly the decision by some leaders and stakeholders to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

He maintained that such shifts are normal in a democratic society and should not be interpreted as evidence of fragmentation.

“Like now, they have resolved to work under Kenya Kwanza, and of course, there will be dissenting voices, but that does not mean Western Kenya is divided,” Atwoli said.

His remarks come amid heightened debate over Western Kenya’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election, with some leaders in the region, such as the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, calling for the support of President William Ruto’s government, while some, like Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, have been opposing the Kenya Kwanza administration using the now famous Tawe campaign.