“Hope Over Wealth”: Omtatah Dares Atwoli in Presidential Ambitions Clash.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has boldly countered COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli’s criticism of his 2027 presidential ambitions, promising a leadership approach rooted in vision, integrity, and service to ordinary Kenyans.
On Thursday, November 28, 2024, Omtatah took to his X account to emphasize that his campaign would not hinge on personal wealth but on inspiring hope and rallying a people-powered movement for change.
“Leadership is about vision, integrity, and the will to serve. Ordinary Kenyans, not wealth or privilege, are the backbone of any true movement for change. We will prove that a people-powered campaign can inspire hope and deliver a better future for all,” he wrote.
Atwoli’s Warning: Money Talks
Omtatah’s remarks follow Atwoli’s skeptical response during a TV interview, where he downplayed the viability of a campaign without significant financial resources. Atwoli stressed that winning Kenya’s top seat requires not just goodwill but also deep pockets and strategic alliances.
“If he came to me, I would tell him, let me see your budget. Are you going to depend on well-wishers, or what do you have as a person? When emerging for a political position, you must have saved. The world over, nobody wants to be associated with a poor person,” Atwoli said.
The trade unionist also advised Omtatah to unite Western Kenya leaders, including seasoned politicians Amos Wako, Moses Wetang’ula, and Musalia Mudavadi, to strengthen his footing.
“Okiyah must bring the Western leadership together. He must seriously consult people like Wako, Wetang’ula, and Mudavadi. From there, let him have a caucus, and we will be able to tell him whether he will make it or not,” he added.
David vs. Goliath?
Atwoli further claimed that Omtatah faces an uphill battle against President William Ruto, whose established political machinery and widespread support make him a formidable opponent.
“With the direction President William Ruto has taken, he will be president at 10 a.m. in 2027. Don’t underestimate him,” Atwoli remarked, recalling his own experience backing Raila Odinga in the previous election. “We had everyone, even a sitting president, and we lost. If you want to bet, bet for Ruto.”
Omtatah’s Vision: Hope for the Ordinary Kenyan
Despite Atwoli’s skepticism, Omtatah remains unfazed. His vision of leadership defies the conventional reliance on wealth, focusing instead on the power of collective action and the dreams of ordinary Kenyans.
His declaration of candidacy on November 22, 2024, has already sparked debate, offering a refreshing contrast to Kenya’s wealth-driven political narrative. Whether his ideals will resonate with voters or falter under financial constraints remains to be seen.
A Defining Moment
Omtatah’s campaign sets the stage for a battle of ideals in the 2027 race. Will his faith in people-powered leadership inspire a wave of change, or will the entrenched dynamics of wealth and power prevail?
Kenya watches closely as the countdown to 2027 begins.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.
