Azimio leader Raila Odinga has slammed COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli for failing to defend the welfare of workers.
He made the remarks on Saturday, September 16, while releasing President Ruto’s one-year scorecard, which he claimed was disastrous.
Raila said Kenyan workers were suffering under the Kenya Kwanza regime, with increased taxes and high fuel prices.
“COTU, the union supposed to fight for the welfare of workers is silent, we have not heard them anywhere on this. Atwoli is not anywhere to be seen, shenzi sana,” said Raila.
The Azimio leader noted that the Federation of Kenya Employers had stepped in to agitate for the rights of workers since COTU was compromised by the government.
“This is the time that COTU ought to be on the forefront defending the welfare of workers on the high cost of living but now we see the employers’ union protesting on behalf of workers,” he said.
Raila regretted that it was sad for Atwoli to abandon workers and support a government that was increasing taxes and prices of basic commodities.
“What has happened here is that COTU is now in the pockets of the government. We once said that the donkey is tired but now we are saying the donkey has fallen due to the heavy burden,” said Raila.
Atwoli was in Raila’s campaign team before the 2022 general elections but Atwoli shifted his allegiance to President William Ruto after the elections.
At the same time, the Azimio leader accused President William Ruto’s government of failing to consider the opinions of suffering Kenyans while passing the Finance Act 2023.
10 million signatures
Raila also confirmed that Azimio la Umoja coalition has collected over 10 million signatures.
He explained that the signatures were a clear indication that Kenyans were unhappy with Ruto’s government.
“We have collected over ten million signatures which we will use accordingly. However, I do not want to reveal how we will use these signatures in the near future.
“This time round, I will not call on anyone to go back to the streets. But be rest assured that we will use these signatures since this regime has failed,” Raila stated.
Finally, Raila awarded President Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza administration a D- (Minus) grade.
