COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has dismissed the notion that retired President Uhuru Kenyatta holds the key to the presidency, bluntly warning Fred Matiang’i that seeking Uhuru’s endorsement is a fool’s errand.

In his characteristic no-holds-barred style, Atwoli questioned Uhuru’s political potency, citing the failed "Project Raila" in 2022. The veteran trade unionist argued that if the entire state machinery under Uhuru could not install Raila Odinga, a retired Uhuru has "zero capacity" to install Matiang’i in 2027.

The Kingmaker Myth

Atwoli’s comments pierce the veil of the "Mt Kenya Kingmaker" narrative that some opposition figures still cling to.

• 2022 Lesson: Atwoli reminded the political class that voters rejected the "system" candidate, opting for Ruto’s hustler narrative instead.
• Matiang’i’s Ambition: The former Super CS has been rumored to be assembling a coalition with Uhuru’s blessing, aiming to capture the Gusii and Mt Kenya vote.
• Atwoli’s Advice: "Go to the people directly," Atwoli urged. " endorsements are dead. The only kingmaker left is the voter."

Political Realignment

Atwoli’s dismissal suggests he may be aligning himself elsewhere—likely backing the incumbent—or simply stating a harsh political truth: in Kenyan politics, yesterday’s powerful president is today’s powerless retiree.