Francis Atwoli, the leader of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), recently praised President William Ruto for his unique approach to uniting Kenya.
According to Atwoli, Ruto’s methods are different from those used by previous presidents, and he believes these efforts are bringing the country together in ways never seen before.
Speaking at the COTU Shop Steward Meeting, Atwoli highlighted Ruto’s handling of opposition leader Raila Odinga’s African Union (AU) issue.
He appreciated how Ruto took Raila’s concerns seriously and addressed them personally, showing a level of commitment to national unity that Atwoli finds commendable.
Atwoli then compared Ruto’s leadership to that of former presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta.
He recalled how Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of Kenya, suppressed opposition from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, ensuring that Jaramogi could not challenge his authority.
During Moi’s tenure, criticism was largely ignored until Section 2A of the Constitution was abolished, which then allowed for more open political dialogue.
When Mwai Kibaki was in power, the political climate became so tense that the United Nations had to step in to mediate between the government and the opposition. This intervention, led by Kofi Annan, was crucial in negotiating a settlement.
Under Uhuru Kenyatta, the famous “handshake” between him and Raila Odinga marked a significant attempt to ease political tensions and foster cooperation between opposing sides.
In contrast, Atwoli points out that Ruto has managed to bring about a sense of unity without needing such formal agreements or interventions.
He admires Ruto for his ability to maintain peace and inclusivity, focusing on appointing forward-thinking individuals regardless of their political affiliations. This, Atwoli believes, is a “noble job” that helps in building a unified and forward-looking nation.
By Newsmedia