Atwoli out to bring voters under one umbrella

Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli is leading efforts to unite voters in western Kenya under one political coalition.

Mr Atwoli told the Saturday Nation on Friday that so far he had held six meetings with various interest groups, including teachers, farmers, professionals and religious leaders.

“I have met MPs only once. I will meet senior politicians from the community at a later date, possibly early next year,” said Mr Atwoli.

He said he had been to many places in the region and the people were determined to put their votes in one basket in next year’s elections.

Mr Atwoli spoke as Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi called on politicians and voters in Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga counties to unite under one coalition to negotiate for power with other regions.

“The leadership in western Kenya and the people are currently at a crossroads and my message to them is that let us quickly understand Kenya’s political dynamics. Other people have understood it to the extent that they view democracy not exactly the same way our people view it.

“Our people are still liberal, which is probably the perfect democratic approach but is that model serving us well?” Mr Mudavadi said in reference to the tendency by voters in the area to distribute their votes across political parties and coalitions.

He added: “Let us join hands in the ANC party. And with a common platform, we can engage with other political coalitions where necessary. First, let us build one common platform from where we can talk to other Kenyans.”

Mr Mudavadi also warned against any deal on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) involving only Jubilee and Cord.

He said although the need for changes in the IEBC and the removal of commissioners was urgent, it was dangerous to “tunnel issues affecting the country to Jubilee and Cord”.