Francis Atwoli is an ardent supporter of President Uhuru Kenyatta but nevertheless he doesn’t shy away from criticizing him when he errors.
The COTU Secretary-General unapologetically fired salvos at Uhuru at an international trade conference held in Egypt.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the one-week conference, Atwoli called out Uhuru’s government for frustrating Kenyans through over-taxation.
The trade unionist lamented that fuel price in Kenya rose significantly whereas in other East African countries it remained relatively stable.
“Kenyans have been forced to pay up to Ksh135 for a litre of petrol at a time when its neighbours are paying far much less,” his report read.
Atwoli further noted that the Kenyan government had taken advantage of the Coronavirus pandemic to exploit its citizens and increase the cost of doing business.
He named Uhuru’s government as an example of one of the regimes that have turned a deaf ear to the plight of citizens.
Atwoli also posed a question to the delegates at the meeting asking them whether such a government should maintain silence while the people who voted for them continue to suffer.
It was the second time that Atwoli blasted Uhuru over fuel price hike. Speaking during a press briefing at COTU headquarters in Gikomba market on September 24, Atwoli said the government should prepare for unrest from all quarters over increased fuel price.
“We would like Uhuru to comment and make a statement on this unfair perpetual increase in fuel prices. Unless their policies place Kenyan workers at the centre then they should prepare for unrest from all quarters,” he said.
Atwoli said Cotu was opposed to the perpetual increase in fuel prices and would like to urge the government to be innovative with how it raises taxes.
“At the same time, we would like to remind Uhuru that Kenyan workers are suffering and that he should not tolerate the impunity, punishment and the affront towards Kenyan workers by bodies such as EPRA,” he added.
Related: “Makosa Sio Ya Uhuru” Ruto Defends His Boss President Uhuru Over Fuel Price Hike
