Anyang’ Nyong’o was counting his votes in the bush – Atwoli

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, has hailed President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto for allowing democracy to prevail in the Jubilee Party nominations.

Atwoli, who led the country in celebrating this year’s Labour Day at Uhuru Park in Nairobi under the theme; ‘Workers, Women, Children and other vulnerable Kenyans appeal for peaceful and democratic elections’, commended political parties for allowing democratic primaries saying fair nominations are a ‘precursor to peaceful elections.’

He disclosed that the President and his deputy lost many close allies during the nominations by refusing to favour them in the nominations.

“I know on of his (President) very close friends, Jamleck Kamau. He lost in the primaries because he (Uhuru) allowed democracy to prevail,” said Atwoli.

“There are so many issues in which me and you, and your deputy do not agree on, but I would like to commend you for switching off your phone and allow your friends compete fairly,” added Atwoli.

He, in the same vain, praised opposition leader Raila Odinga for not interfering in Bondo Parliamentary nominations for ODM party in which his brother, Dr. Oburu Odinga, lost to the incumbent Gideon Ochanda.

The workers’ union boss, however, took a swipe at Kisumu County Senator, Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, alleging that Nyong’o rigged the Kisumu County ODM gubernatorial nominations.

“You saw my brother Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, he was counting his votes in a bush,” he said.

Atwoli congratulated Kenyans for refraining from violence in the nominations exercise urging them to maintain the same during the General Election.