In the build-up to the August 9, presidential election, COTU boss Francis Atwoli said William Ruto would not make it to State House.
In most of his public addresses, the flamboyant trade unionist exuded confidence that Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party captain Raila Odinga would succeed outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta.
On Monday, August 15, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati declared the former Agriculture Minister the fifth president-elect, the results that were disputed by his arch-rival Raila Odinga.
As such, the ODM leader moved to the Supreme Court challenging the election of William Ruto stating that the process was marred with irregularities.
However, the seven judges of the apex court quashed Raila Odinga’s petition and upheld Wafula Chebukati’s verdict that declared William Ruto the winner.
In an interview with NTV on Monday, September 5, moments after the Supreme Court verdict, said he knew the former Eldoret North MP would defeat Raila Odinga, much to the surprise of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition supporters.
“William Ruto is an articulate politician. I had foreseen him becoming the president. He (William Ruto) was going to become the president of the country. I did not say he can’t be a president,” Atwoli said.
He further defended his earlier hard stance that Ruto would not make it to the ballot saying it was just but a campaign tool.
“What I said about Ruto was in the context of competition, and it was within my constitutional rights to say so. This is the freedom our people died for,” a humbled Atwoli said.
The vocal trade unionist further urged Kenyans to rally behind a William Ruto presidency saying he was ready to work with him to fulfill his promises.
“I am urging all Kenyans to rally behind him, give him an opportunity to form his government and support him,” Atwoli said.
