Central Organizations of Trade Union(COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has once again found himself on the receiving end after his remarks on Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni wrapped most Kenyans the wrong way.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKL show on Wednesday, Atwoli remarked that Ugandans must continue supporting its veteran leader Yoweri Museveni since the country was peaceful and Museveni was supporting his people well.
“If there is peace in Uganda, why do they want to change leaders and continue fighting, having refugees and crossing over to Kenya? I would advise Ugandans to continue supporting Museveni. If a leader is supporting a nation well, and there is peace, let continue supporting him for the benefit of the county,” stated Atwoli.
While giving examples of European countries where the state heads have served for more than 15 years in power, the veteran trade unionist opined that African nations should not be deceived into believing that when a leader stays in power for too long, they were becoming dictators.
Francis Atwoli: I would advise Ugandans to continue supporting Museveni. If a leader is supporting a nation well, and there is peace, let them carry on #JKLive@KoinangeJeff pic.twitter.com/BbKGihF7x4
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) October 23, 2019
According to Atwoli, politics should be pegged on the culture and traditions of the people not necessarily what is imported from outside the world.
He blamed Kenya’s culture which he said was bad since, after every election, there must be chaos.
And as one way of ensuring that Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta remains in power, Atwoli maintained his earlier position that Uhuru was still too young to retire hence the need to seek an extra space for him in the coming government.
“If a young man has money, connections and can move around, he can give you a lot of problems, that is why a place for him must be sorted out in 2022,” remarked Atwoli.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta is too young to retire…I think the DP has bad advisers… A president is a president-he might be weak but he understands all that goes on in gov’t…If the president mentions your name, stand up” ~Francis Atwoli#JKLive@KoinangeJeff pic.twitter.com/itQH48EXoA
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) October 23, 2019
His explanations could not, however, convince most Kenyans on social media who blasted him of citing Museveni’s case to justify his overdue stay as COTU boss.
According to many twitter users, Atwoli was praising Museveni just because they sail in the same both. They accused him of clinching into power for too long without giving room for fresh ‘blood’ in leadership positions.
This comes even as Atwoli announced that he will hang his COTU boots in 2022. He said upon his retirement, he will not engage in active politics but will lead a private life.
“I will leave COTU in 2022 to lead a private life. I have done a lot for the workers in Kenya,” he stated.
Here are some angry reactions from Twitter concerning Atwoli’s remarks on why Museveni must continue ruling Uganda;
— Kimani Mwangi (@KimaniMwangiS) October 23, 2019
Old age has caught up with Atwoli, his reasoning is more of sycophancy. Birds of the same feathers, no wonder he sees nothing wrong in Museveni leadership.#JKLive
— Achiando D. (@Achiandod) October 23, 2019
Merkel has been a chancellor since 2005, which is a period of 15 years. Atwoli is an old bloke trying to justify his long stay as COTU SG.
— Kipkemoi Gilbert (@Rono_254) October 23, 2019
Not only does Atwoli peddle propaganda for the President, he is now trolling Ugandans who led demos against the despotic regime of Museveni. The kind of BS Jeff Koinange's propaganda #JKLive show entertains. https://t.co/20swxBxs3I
— Kelly Gitahi (@KellyGitahi) October 23, 2019
Save for his unfortunate endorsement of Museveni’s presidency, Mzee Atwoli is rationale and correct that we contradict the strategic plans and indepth research by our professionals. Kenya has amazing brains but bureaucracy has taken us to the knees. I cant agree more. #JKLive
— Abdul Nassir (@abdulnassir21) October 23, 2019
Francis Atwoli supports dictatorship, that's why he has used his money and fame to Monopolize COTU
— Ouma Onyango (@SLauncelott) October 23, 2019
Museveni is killing Uganda. Look at Makerere University students being beaten up by the police for protesting
— Ken 👑 (@kennedyoabuga) October 23, 2019
Francis Atwoli is just an old man with nothing to give us. Look at him saying old presidential terms is the cure.
— eвансM♞ (@evans_96_) October 23, 2019