Editor's Review

Sifuna said the COTU boss might be making noise about having the 2027 password when it could be something as obvious as “0000” 

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has dismissed Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli over his recent remarks claiming that President William Ruto and ODM Leader Raila Odinga hold the 2027 leadership password for the country. 

Speaking during the burial of the late Phoebe Asiyo in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay, on 8 August 2025, Atwoli hit out at critics of Odinga, insisting that he remains a vital player in Kenya's politics.

Atwoli said Odinga and Ruto have the password to the country’s leadership in 2027 and criticised those opposing the political pact between the two.

"Viongozi vijana… ukisema nyinyi mna password ya siasa ya Kenya mnajidanganya. We will hold on to the password of leadership in 2027 and for many years to come. Password ya leadership iko na Raila Odinga, password iko na Musalia Mudavadi, password iko na William Ruto… password sisi ndio tuko nayo," Atwoli said.

File image of Francis Atwoli.PHOTO | COURTESY

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Responding on 9 August during a function in Kitui, Sifuna wondered why Atwoli had not shared the password with Raila, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, all of whom have at some point expressed interest in the presidency or worked jointly towards the top seat.

"Wametuambia jana ati sisi kama vijana tunyamaze tu, ati wao ndio wako na password ya uongozi Kenya hii. Mzee Atwoli, unataka kuniambia huko kwetu Western Wetang'ula na Mudavadi wameng'ang'ana kutafuta njia ya kuingia State House, kumbe Atwoli ako na password na hasemi, amenyamaza tu hasemni na hapeani," he said.

Sifuna said that since Atwoli hadn’t shared the password with Raila and other leaders, he doesn’t want it and will instead focus on prayers, noting that God gives leadership.

"2017 Raila na Kalonzo wanang'ana kutafuta njia ya kuingia State House, Atwoli ako na password na hasemi. Mimi ntaka nimuulize hivi, kama hio password ulinyima Wetang'ula, Mudavadi, Kalonzo ata shemeji yako Raila Odinga, mimi hiyo password sitaki. Usinipatie hiyo password, tutaweka mwenyezi Mungu mbele na barabara zetu zitafunguka," he narrated.

Downplaying Atwoli’s remarks, Sifuna suggested the COTU boss might be making noise about having the password when it could be something as obvious as “0000” or his date of birth, which people could guess without being told.