Atwoli Rejects Sifuna’s Presidential Ambitions

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has dismissed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s potential presidential ambitions, asserting that the first-term lawmaker is not yet ready to lead the nation.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s Sunday Live on September 20, 2026, Atwoli argued that political leadership in Africa requires undergoing distinct stages of preparation and acquiring practical life experience before eyeing the top job.

“Sifuna, a one-term Senator, you want to become a president? Not in Africa; we must detain you, we must make you go through stages. You must suffer looking for leadership. You must know how the economy is crafted. You must be able to understand the problems Kenyans are having. You must pay school fees for your children. You must raise money for other people. You must build churches; you must do what we have done. For now, no—capital N-O!” Atwoli told host Jeff Koinange.

The veteran union leader further downplayed the political momentum generated by Sifuna’s recent Linda Mwananchi rallies across the country, noting that large crowd turnouts do not automatically translate into a winning presidential campaign. To illustrate his point, Atwoli drew parallels between Sifuna and historical political figures from the Moi era—including Kenneth Matiba, Paul Ngei, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Bildad Kaggia, and Ronald Ngala—who commanded vast public followings but never attained the presidency.

Atwoli emphasized that securing the presidency requires building broad, nationwide alliances, securing the backing of county governors, and winning over the business community. He cited veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, who maintained extensive political networks across Kenya for decades yet still faced hurdles in his presidential bids.

While the Nairobi Senator and Linda Mwananchi convener has not formally declared his candidacy for the 2027 General Election, he has repeatedly hinted at seeking higher executive office.