Amani National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi has furiously warned COTU boss Francis Atwoli against dragging the name of his late mother in their political utterances.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 8, during a Kenya Kwanza Campaign rally in Kakamega County, Musalia challenged Atwoli to behave like a senior citizen and a respected elder.
“(COTU boss Francis) Atwoli, my mother died a year ago. What is your problem with her? Let her rest in peace. What is wrong with (William) Ruto’s mother, let her be. Respect the women of this country. They are mothers.
“They are your daughters. They are your grandchildren. Talk like an elder who has something to offer to the community, not like someone who has come from Mathare (mental clinic). We are tired,” an agitated Musalia remarked.
At one point a visibly furious Mudavadi dared Atwoli to face him head-on instead of hiding behind President Uhuru when insulting other leaders.
“Stop hiding behind President Uhuru to abuse people, if you are man enough come and abuse me here and face me directly but don’t hide behind the president,” Musalia said.
Mudavadi’s harsh reactions were in response to Atwoli’s sentiments which he had warned Musalia to respect him as an elder, adding that he could have married Musalia’s mother if he wanted.
The vibrant COTU boss had taken a swipe at the ANC leader for abandoning President Uhuru yet he accorded Musalia’s mother a state funeral.
Mudavadi also warned Atwoli to stop taking credit for his political journey, saying the COTU boss has been of no help in his (Musalia’s) long political career which started i 1989.
“I want to tell our old man from our region. I want to tell Atwoli, Atwoli, please, please Atwoli you did not make me a politician, you did not bring me into politics, you have contributed nothing to my success or my failures, leave me alone,” Mudavadi said.
