In the build-up to the August 9, General Election, Central Organization for Trade Union (COTU) boss Secretary General Francis Atwoli had insisted that William Ruto will never be president.
Atwoli, a fierce critic of the President-elect had exuded confidence that Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party captain Raila Odinga will succeed outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In most of his public addresses, Atwoli was quoted saying the former Eldoret North MP would neither be on the ballot nor succeed outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta.
However, on Monday, August 15, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati declared William Ruto the fifth President-elect.
A week later, the former Prime Minister filed a petition at the Supreme Court seeking to overturn Wafula Chebukati’s declaration on grounds that Ruto did not achieve the 50 percent plus one vote threshold required by law to be declared the president-elect.
But on Monday, September 5, as the seven judges of the apex court upheld Chebukati’s announcement that the former Agriculture Minister achieved all the minimum threshold required hence his victory was legally attained.
In a statement, the flamboyant unionist congratulated Ruto shortly after the Supreme Court upheld his presidential win.
Atwoli further urged Kenyans and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party supporters to remain peaceful after the declaration.
“During COTU (K) Executive Board meeting on 17th August, we resolved that immediately after the Supreme Court judgment, we must thank and congratulate the victor,
“Consequently, we congratulate President William Ruto. We appeal to workers and Kenyans, in general, to remain peaceful,” Atwoli said in a Tweet.
In April 2019, long-serving COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli sensationally claimed that Deputy President Wiliam Ruto’s name will not be on the ballot paper come August 2022.
“What will they say after the 9th of August which is not far? Na mkate miti!!!” Atwoli said on Twitter.
