COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has said that Luhyas are well known for doing low-paying and menial jobs, unlike their Kikuyu counterparts.
Speaking during an interview on JKL, the outspoken labour leader said that people from Western Kenya are used to being watchmen/security guards and/or cooks.
“Luhyas and people from Western Kenya are used to salaries, being cooks and watchmen. But you people in Central Kenya, in whose hands will you be safe?” Atwoli posed in reference to who between Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga is best placed to be president.
Atwoli, who is arguably the longest-serving COTU secretary general, argued that the Luhyas do not stand at a big loss if Deputy President William Ruto is elected as the next president unlike the Kikuyu community, who own businesses and are used to enjoying economic privileges.
Atwoli said that William Ruto will be a dangerous president for the Mt Kenya region, as their interests will not be served well.
“You Centaral people, in whose hands will you be safe? That is the question, it’s not a question of bottom-up, wheelbarrow or hustler.
“Ask yourself, if the Radio or TV says William Samoei Ruto is president, in whose hands will you be safe?” Atwoli posed.
While warning against Ruto’s presidency, Atwoli said that the former Eldoret North MP has proven not to be a good person from the manner in which he has been disobeying his boss, President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“If you are a deputy aspiring to be a president in the future, you have to support the person currently in power until the end of his term. By doing so, he will also support your bid,
“You will improve your chances and if you stay humble you will easily get into office,” he said.
Atwoli further observed that William Ruto is a good politician, but is surrounded by wrong advisers.
“I am not dismissing him but William Ruto is a shrewd politician. He would have had good advisers,” Atwoli said.
