Editor's Review

Atwoli also predicted William Ruto might reclaim the seat in 2027.

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary-general Francis Atwoli has opened up on his meeting with President William Ruto last week.

The political foes surprised many after scheduling an unforeseen meeting at State House, Nairobi.

Photos emerged of the two leaders meeting in the company of other Western Kenya leaders.

Speaking on Saturday, December 3, at a function in Khwisero, Kakamega county, Atwoli implied that his meeting with the president was not by chance, revealing that there were pertinent issues that they deliberated on.

Atwoli said that his meeting with the president revolved around, among other things, the welfare of Kenyan workers, some of whom he observed do not have health insurance.

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President William Ruto sharing a moment with COTU boss Francis Atwoli at State House, Nairobi. Photo: Twitter.

"We discussed the precarious employment which our young people are in. Our children are doing these jobs which are not permanent. They do not have NHIF insurance and also not remitting for NSSF. The president was open on such issues," Atwoli said.

Atwoli further stated that the president called on the opposition to tighten its role of oversight of his administration.

The outspoken trade unionist however clarified that his meeting with Ruto would not bar his side from criticising the government.

"It doesn't mean our people in the opposition stop scrutinising the government. The president also admits that the opposition must be strong and continues to do what is necessary," added Atwoli.

The COTU secretary-general further predicted Ruto would reclaim his seat in the 2027 General Election.

According to Atwoli, Ruto would have an easy run in the oncoming vote given that he went past all the obstacles in this year's election to win the presidential vote.

"He will be on the seat for the coming five years. If he took it from us yet we had President Uhuru Kenyatta with us. What makes you think he would have difficulty in 2027?" he posed.

Atwoli was opposed to Ruto's presidential bid in the run-up to the August 9 General Election, drumming support for Azimio's Raila Odinga.

Ruto garnered over 7.1 million votes to emerge the winner, trouncing Raila who trailed in second place with over 6.9 million votes.