Atwoli Accuses Gachagua of Sabotage, Calls for Arrest Over Oath Violation
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has launched a scathing attack on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of undermining the government and failing to uphold his constitutional and moral obligations.
Atwoli claimed Gachagua has violated the oath he swore, which included loyalty to President William Ruto and maintaining secrecy in the cabinet.
Atwoli was speaking during a Thanksgiving event at Turbo Catholic Church on Saturday, hosted by Farouk Kibet, a close aide to President Ruto. The service, presided over by Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret, attracted various leaders and public figures.
The veteran trade unionist expressed concern over Gachagua’s actions, alleging that the Deputy President is sabotaging the government from within while promoting disunity in the country. “As a leader, you took the oath and even asked God to help you as you run the government. How do you start contradicting the government yet you sit in the cabinet and the security council, and there is the oath of secrecy that you took?” Atwoli questioned.
He further urged the authorities to take action against leaders inciting chaos, emphasizing that the stability of the country was paramount. “You should be arrested,” Atwoli declared. “Many countries in Africa, including Sudan, are facing problems because of war, and anyone who wants to cause similar problems in this country should be arrested and prosecuted for the sake of securing the lives of Kenyans.”
Atwoli, who has long been an influential voice in Kenya’s political scene, warned that Gachagua’s behavior could endanger the country’s unity and development. He reminded the Deputy President of his duty to support the government, especially in crucial decision-making forums like the National Security Council, where he is entrusted with vital responsibilities.
“After the elections, I told Gachagua that if you want to succeed, you should work closely with your boss by supporting him fully,” Atwoli said. He insisted that nothing would derail the country’s progress, despite the existence of individuals with “selfish interests” intent on undermining President Ruto’s administration.
During the same event, Farouk Kibet also stressed the importance of peace and unity in Kenya’s national development. “Even for President Ruto to win, he needed all Kenyans, and we all must cherish peace and unity as the cornerstone of our nation,” Farouk said, calling on church leaders to pray for the country and support youth education programs.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri echoed Atwoli’s sentiments, emphasizing that Gachagua’s political issues were personal and should not be extended to the entire Kikuyu community. “For us in that region, we will continue to support the President and urge our people not to be misled by someone who has selfish interests,” Kiunjuri remarked.
Atwoli also highlighted the firm support President Ruto enjoys from key figures in the Western Kenya region, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
He dismissed attempts to create division based on ethnic or regional lines, stating, “We don’t want anyone to keep on telling us about the mountain, which belongs to all of us. That is why it’s called Mt Kenya, just like Mt Kilimanjaro, which is for all people in East Africa.”
The event concluded with a strong message of unity, with leaders reiterating their commitment to safeguarding the country’s peace and supporting President Ruto’s development agenda.
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Atwoli Accuses Gachagua of Sabotage, Calls for Arrest Over Oath Violation
