- Central Organizing Trade Union (COTU) chief Francis Atwoli says former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i is not the most suitable person to be elected as president in 2027.
- Atwoli attributes several factors to this situation; he mentions that Matiang'i does not have the clout of ethnic support that President William Ruto enjoys.
- He also cautioned Kenyans, arguing that the former Interior CS might make a worse president than Ruto
Francis Atwoli of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has dismissed the prospects of Fred Matiang'i winning the presidential election in 2027.
Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday, January 28, Atwoli noted that the Kenyan election is heavily shaped by ethnic divisions, a dynamic that President William Ruto has likened to a powerful lever wielded by Matiang'i.
The supposed absence of a firm ethnic allegiance may contribute to Mazrui's diminishing prospects, in Atwoli's opinion.
"If Kenyan politics were decided based on issues, I would be the president of the Republic of Kenya today. The politics of Kenya are largely based on ethnic affiliation. As soon as you've managed to mobilize ethnic support, you are considered successful," he said.
Furthermore, Atwoli pointed out that Matiang'i's lack of hands-on experience was his major weakness.
He mentioned the 2022 general election, during which the former CS did not engage actively in the campaigns, even though his colleagues in the Senate were supporting former President Uhuru Kenyatta in endorsing Raila Odinga.
The trade unionist pointed out that Matiang'i would levy higher taxes on Kenyans than Ruto has in the two years he has been in office, and could also oversee more widespread corruption than exists in the current government.
"I'd be happy to share my response. However, to address your question, it's essential to consider the eligibility criteria for a presidential position in the Republic of Kenya. According to the country's constitution, a president must meet specific qualifications, including being a citizen of Kenya, being at least 18 years old, and being a registered voter. Beyond these basic requirements, individuals with the necessary skills, experience, and background can be considered for the presidency. In the context of Matiang'i's possible candidacy, it is essential to examine his qualifications, experience, and whether he meets the constitutional requirements. I can provide more information on this topic if you're interested. Furthermore, having worked with someone does not automatically disqualify them from running for office, but it could impact public perception. Public perception is complex, and it's influenced by many factors, including personal relationships and experiences. In this case, the mention of Matiang'i not actively campaigning for Raila during a particular time is a subjective piece of information. If you're looking for information on the qualifications and potential candidacies of specific individuals, I can help you with that.