It has become a norm to see politicians moving to Atwoli’s home just to discuss how they can defeat William Ruto in the next general elections.
The politicians seen streaming to Kajiado almost every weekend are the pro-Ruto 2022 presidential bid.
On Sunday a lengthy meeting between political bigwigs backing the handshake was held to cobble up a 2022 political machine to take on “hustler” – Deputy President William.
The meeting that took place at Atwoli’s home was as usually attended by close allies to both President Uhuru and his political brother Raila Odinga.
This week’s meeting was a bit different. It was the first time Kanu chairman Gideon Moi was attending such meetings.
Moi is being roped in to represent the Rift Valley region.
Former presidential aspirant Peter Kenneth who is being groomed to take over President Uhuru’s Mount Kenya backyard was also present.
Others who were present were Jubilee Vice-Chair David Murathe, Senate Minority Leader James Orengo, National Assembly Minority whip Junet Mohamed, National Assembly deputy majority whip Maoka Maore and Tiaty MP William Kamket.
Peter Kenneth’s spokesman Alhajj Amin who confirmed the existence of the meeting described the leaders as “like-minded proponents of the BBI process.”
“As you know all these are proponents of the BBI. They were deliberating on the issue of the referendum and comparing notes on the subject,” Alhajj told the Star.
The meeting took place barely two weeks since Murathe and Cotu secretary-general Francis Atwoli endorsed ODM leader Raila Odinga for presidency come 2022.
A week ago, Mr. Murathe asked Kenyans to give Raila a one-term presidency, terming 2022 as “a Mandela moment” for the opposition chief.
“We think it’s time Kenyans rewarded the years of struggle of Raila Amollo Odinga. They owe it to him. It’s like Mandela, and 2022 will be a Mandela Moment. And we would also like to tell him (Raila) to be a transitional president who will then nurture the young generation to take over in 2027,” he said.
- Atwoli wants Ruto to kneel before Raila Odinga
- How Handshake Has Pushed President Uhuru Kenyatta To A Tough Corner
- Raila Odinga meeting with Peter Kenneth stirs political arena
- Francis Atwoli: Kenyans will regret if they elect William Ruto
As a rejoinder to Murathe’s statement, Atwoli said: “I am endorsing the comments by Murathe that he (Raila Odinga) should have a go at the Presidency. Of course, Kenyans have great people including Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka, Gideon Moi, and Joho (Hassan) who can do the job, but it appears to be Odinga’s time,” Atwoli said.
While the handshake team struggling to line up, Dr. William Ruto has been hosting delegations from various parts of the country. Last week he held a meeting with the leaders from the Maasai community to persuade them and join his team.
