Atwoli warns Gachagua: I have been in politics since 1969, wait for 2027

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has responded to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's criticism of his political influence. Atwoli, a veteran trade unionist, reminded Gachagua that he has been involved in Kenya's politics since 1969, when he cast his first vote for Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

He went on to say that he remained a member of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) throughout Daniel arap Moi's presidency and even voted for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the 2007 General Election, even though Odinga's opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), ultimately won the election. Atwoli rejected Gachagua's suggestion that his political backing could prevent a candidate from winning an election, accusing Gachagua of lacking a deep understanding of Kenya's political history.

He also referenced incidents from Gachagua's previous career in the Provincial Administration in the 1990s and warned that Gachagua should wait until the 2027 General Election to truly understand the nature of politics in Kenya.