COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has declared President William Ruto the "only leader" capable of elevating Kenya to first-world economic status, citing his performance over the last two years.

Speaking in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, the veteran trade unionist—once a fierce critic of the President—revealed a significant shift in his political stance. Atwoli argued that the administration's focus on industrialization and global diplomacy has set the country on an irreversible path to prosperity, silencing naysayers who predicted economic collapse.

"A Visionary Transformation"

"I have observed him for two years," Atwoli told the attentive crowd, gesturing emphatically. "The man has a plan. If there is anyone who will take this country to the level of Singapore or South Korea, it is William Samoei Ruto. We must support him."

The COTU boss emphasized that his support is not born of sycophancy but of "cold, hard facts." He pointed to the administration's aggressive push for foreign direct investment and the recent stabilization of the shilling as proof of competent statecraft. According to Atwoli, the "noise" from the opposition is merely a distraction from the structural reforms taking root.

• The Unity Call: Atwoli urged the Rift Valley region to rally behind the President, warning that internal divisions would only derail the "first-world" agenda. " Politics of division is old school," he thundered. "We need a united front to negotiate our place at the global table."
• Labor Relations: Surprisingly, the unionist praised the government's engagement with workers, noting that despite the high cost of living, the President has kept his door open for dialogue on wage increments and housing levies.

The Geopolitical Strategy

Atwoli's remarks come against the backdrop of President Ruto's intensified foreign policy, which has seen Kenya secure critical trade deals with both Western and Eastern powers. The COTU boss interpreted this as a masterstroke, positioning Kenya as the "anchor state" of Africa.

"When you see the Americans and the Chinese fighting to invest here, know that the leadership is getting something right," Atwoli observed. He challenged young Kenyans to cease the negativity on social media and instead position themselves to reap from the coming economic boom.

Critics, however, maintain that the "first-world" narrative is a smokescreen for the harsh economic realities facing ordinary Kenyans, including soaring taxation and unemployment. Yet for Atwoli, the pain is the necessary surgery before the healing. "Transformation is not tea party," he concluded. "It is painful, but the fruits will be sweet."