Atwoli: I like what Sifuna is doing

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli expressed his admiration for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's political activities, describing him as one of the country's future leaders. Speaking to local media on Sunday, Atwoli, who has previously criticized Sifuna's presidential ambitions, stated that Sifuna is doing what young politicians should do by marketing themselves.

However, Atwoli questioned whether Sifuna, serving his first term as senator, had accumulated enough political experience to pursue the presidency. He compared Sifuna's ambitions to a first-term Member of Parliament already seeking to become governor of Embu County. Atwoli urged aspiring leaders to go through different stages of leadership, gain experience, and understand the economic challenges faced by Kenyans before seeking the highest office.

When asked if Sifuna was ready to become president, Atwoli responded, "For now, no." Nevertheless, he affirmed that Sifuna remains a future leader whom he could support politically. Atwoli drew from his own experience campaigning for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and emphasized that presidential campaigns require extensive networks and resources.

He noted that even previous presidential aspirants struggled to secure the presidency despite having significant political influence. Atwoli stressed that political leaders seeking national office need to conduct extensive research, understand political and economic challenges, and have built substantial political networks over time.