POLITICS
Francis Atwoli clarifies endorsing George Natembeya as Luhya leader
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Francis Atwoli has denied endorsing Trans Nzoia governor as the go-to political leader of Western Kenya.
A poster attributed to Atwoli emerged indicating that Atwoli had approved of Natembeya's political undertakings in the Western Kenya region.
The digital card suggested that Atwoli was impressed by Natembeya's emergence, underscoring him as the Luhya community's seniormost leader, much to the disapproval of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula.
The outspoken COTU boss flagged the post as a fake.
For a time, Atwoli has highly regarded Mudavadi and Wetang'ula as the credible leaders of the Mulembe nation.
In his public pronouncements, Atwoli often rallies the Luhya community behind the two leaders, arguing that they are best placed to offer the community a viable political direction.
He often urges one of them to give a shot at the presidency in the 2032 general election.
On the other hand, Natembeya leads a faction that is overly against the two leaders.
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According to the governor, Wetang'ula and Mudavadi have held onto the advantage of Western Kenya's numerical strength to their advantage without benefitting the community.
Natembeya, in his political rallies, often argues that the duo have used the Luhya community to bargain in successive regimes for their selfish gains, without tangible results for the ordinary Western Kenya citizenry.
He vowed to dislodge them from the leadership of the community, launching the "Tawe Movement" to advance his agenda.
Natembeya debuted in elective politics in 2022 and won the Trans Nzoia governorship.
Before his entry to politics, he served in senior positions in the uniformed service under the Ministry of Interior.
His last posting was the Rift Valley regional co-ordinator.
He is believed to be eyeing the presidency in 2027, hence his rigorous mobilisation on the ground.
Other sources suggest that he is building his political muscle to bargain for, at least, the deputy presidency in the next vote.
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