Atwoli tells off opposition: you can’t win western without us
Atwoli said any attempt to gain ground in the region ahead of the 2027 elections would be futile unless the opposition secures the support of ODM leader Raila Odinga, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has dismissed the opposition’s recent efforts to woo voters in Western Kenya, saying they stand no chance in the region without the backing of key political figures himself included.
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, Atwoli said any attempt to gain ground in the region ahead of the 2027 elections would be futile unless the opposition secures the support of ODM leader Raila Odinga, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
“Tell Gachagua and Kalonzo this unless Raila, Wetang’ula, Musalia, and I are with you, there’s no winning Western Kenya. You’re wasting your time,” Atwoli said.
He added that the region, often referred to as the Mulembe Nation, “has its owners” and would not be swayed by empty political tours.
The Western bloc holds significant political weight with over 2.2 million registered voters across Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia, and Trans Nzoia counties.
Atwoli’s remarks came as the opposition intensified its campaign trail across key counties. On Thursday, Deputy President-turned-opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and a host of other opposition allies visited Kakamega and Kisumu counties, in a tour set to conclude on Friday, July 4.
Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), was joined by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, DCP acting chair Cleophas Malala, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and ex-Public Service CS Justin Muturi.
The opposition has recently ramped up grassroots engagements in a clear signal of its intention to challenge the Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the next general election.
Gachagua, increasingly vocal in his criticism of President William Ruto’s leadership, has held rallies across the Mt. Kenya region and parts of the Rift Valley. The recent stop in Narok County marked another leg in the opposition’s broader campaign to build a cross-regional coalition.
With political realignments taking shape, the visit to Western Kenya underscores the opposition’s determination to carve out a national base—but Atwoli insists that without the blessing of Western powerbrokers, they’re fighting a losing battle.
