By James Wafula in Nairobi.
Long serving Kenya’s Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Mr Francis Atwoli has once again repeated his Labour day appeal to Kenyan workers to vote for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the August 9, 2022 General elections.
Atwoli was commenting on the high cost of living in Kenya that has seen household incomes of wage earners dwindle as the shilling increasingly lost its purchasing power.
Most poor, low to middle income groups are feeling the pinch as prices of cooking gas, kerosene, maize flour, bread, milk and sugar soared to an all time high in just one month.
The trigger was the rising cost of fuel that has seen the government withdraw its subsidy spiralling price hikes partly also blamed on the war in Ukraine following Russia invasion of the neighbouring country.
According to Atwoli the “miracle cure” for the ailing economy is electing Azmio la umoja Presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga’s on August 9.
Atwoli said the result of the polls will shock many. He warned Deputy President William Ruto to prepare for shocking defeat. “Do not crush your radio or break your TV set after results are announced that you have lost to Odinga,” Atwoli taunted.
“I know that on August 9, we will win the elections and most people will break their televisions and radios. They will not believe it,” Atwoli said.
This is not the first time that Atwoli has publicly shown his confidence in Raila winning the upcoming general polls.
A few weeks ago, as he endorsed the Azimio Presidential candidate, Atwoli said Raila will be the fifth President of Kenya.
“It is a whole commitment standing with someone you know you’re safe with. Our economy is safe with Raila.”
He urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to continue supporting the Azimio -One Kenya Alliance flag bearer without fear of favouritism.
Atwoli said that he expects the fifth government to embrace universal health care and continue the good work of Uhuru.The first COTU Assistant Sec Gen Ernest Nadome has also assured Raila that the union would rally 2.5 million workers countrywide behind Raila ■
