The Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Francis Atwoli has made a sudden U-turn on Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 presidential bid.
Atwoli, a month ago, claimed the DP will not be in the presidential contest after a referendum ahead of 2022 elections which will send him to the political cold.
During a function in Lamu County, the trade unionist mentioned Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho as one of holders of key position in the 2022 government, and asked Ruto to stop campaigning and wasting resources.
"I assure you that after the election, Mr Hassan Joho will be in the list of those to form the new government that will provide five key slots. In the list however, you won’t see any one by the name of William Ruto taking any position, be it President, Deputy President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister [or any other]. The only people you will see are those standing for justice," Atwoli said.
However, in a TV interview on Tuesday night, the COTU boss mentioned the DP as a potential candidate to win the next polls.
Atwoli said Ruto's main undoing was presence of bad advisers in his camp who could cost him in the race to the State House.
"I am not saying that William cannot win the elections. I am saying let him be advised accordingly," he said during SideBar segment on NTV.
"Our DP is a shrewd, smart and brave politician but what he is lacking are advisers. He needs to be guided like yesterday," the veteran trade unionist added.