Ruto allies respond to Atwoli over attack on DP

The fiery Central Organization of Trade Unions  ( COTU) boss Francis Atwoli has come under heavy criticism over his renewed attack on Deputy President William Ruto.

Political leaders from western region allied to the deputy President lashed out at Atwoli’s weekend remarks and termed him as  ” spent force”.

Former Vihiga county governor Moses Akaranga said: “We respect Atwoli as our leader but I can see that he is now losing direction. We are at liberty to support anybody we want the same way he does. That dictatorship should stop.”

Former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale said Ruto had gained a huge support in western region despite the negative campaign against him.

Khalwale said: “I can assure you that the DP will win the seat because he is with the people and those who are going round to oppose him are simply wasting their time because he has already made inroads. Let Atwoli concentrate on issues relating to workers and leave politics to politicians.”

Jubilee Party deputy secretary general Caleb Kositany condemned the Cotu boss for using a church platform to attack Ruto.

Kositany said: “It is very unfortunate that Atwoli hurled insults to the Deputy president in front of respected church leaders . That to me is a total disrespect to God.”

On Sunday, during a funds drive at Bukhwala SDA church in his Khwisero constituency backyard, Atwoli told the DP to stop wasting his time campaigning to be president in 2022 for lacking credibility.

The Cotu boss also warned politicians supporting the DP’s presidential bid  of facing the wrath of the voters.

During the run up to 2017 presidential election, the Cotu boss convened a meeting at Bukhungu Stadium where he unveiled Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi as the community’s spokesperson.

“I am going to prepare a list that will include those to be governors up-to the level of MCAs. The list of people that I will read out  at Bukhungu stadium are the ones that will be elected . So if you are in Ruto’s camp forget”,  Atwoli said.

The deputy president has made frequent visits in the region to woe voters to support his 2022 presidential bid.

During his visits, Ruto has donated millions of shillings in aid of construction of churches and various institutions.

The DP has also held fundraisers for different women and youth groups in the region. 

MPs  Ben Washiali( Mumias East) John Waluke ( Sirisia) Didmus Barasa ( Kimilili) and Charles Gimose ( Hamisi) are among the elected leaders who have openly declared their support for Ruto.

Former Cabinet secretary for sports Rashid Echesa and former Mp Yusuf Chanzu are also leading pro Ruto support in the region.

But Atwoli dismissed the leaders’ support saying that it was not a representation of the larger Luhya community but individual decisions.