Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of attempting to divide Western Kenya by supporting Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s political ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Khwisero during an inspection tour of a Level Four hospital under construction, Atwoli claimed that Kenyatta was positioning Sifuna as a political vehicle to influence the region’s politics.
Atwoli argued that Kenyatta’s alleged support for Sifuna would not succeed, drawing comparisons with the former President’s role in the 2022 presidential election, when Raila Odinga failed to win the presidency despite running under the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
He urged the Mulembe nation to remain united and resist what he described as attempts to manipulate and divide the region along political lines.
“In Azimio, he (Uhuru) told us he will give KSh400 million for agents, and he did not. He left Raila and now he says Sifuna will get money,” he said.
“He just wants to use him to divide you. I urge you to remain vigilant.”
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Atwoli and other leaders called on the Mulembe community to prioritize unity, peace and their interests as political parties and formations position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.
The leaders warned against political divisions, saying disagreements should not be used to create divisions within communities.
Uhuru Denies Return to Active Politics
Atwoli’s remarks came shortly after Kenyatta rejected speculation that he was preparing to return to active politics.
Speaking on Sunday during the annual memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Kenyatta said he was not seeking any political position and did not want to be portrayed as a political “sponsor”.
“Do not say than I am interfering with politics. I am not interested in any political seat,” he said.
The former President also urged politicians to stop attempting to prevent their rivals from holding political rallies, instead encouraging them to focus on presenting their manifestos to voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna Rejects Claims of Uhuru Funding Opposition
Meanwhile, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has dismissed allegations that Kenyatta is financing opposition activities against President William Ruto’s administration.
Ruto and his allies have previously accused the former President of supporting opposition politicians, particularly Sifuna and former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who is positioning himself for the presidency in the 2027 election.
Sifuna has, however, remained non-committal about whether he will seek the presidency in 2027.
The competing claims come as political alliances continue to take shape ahead of the August 2027 General Election, with opposition leaders and potential presidential contenders positioning themselves for the contest.
