Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has insisted that he has nothing against the Kikuyu community.
Speaking on Wednesday at Uhuru during Labor Day celebrations, Atwoli defended the Washenzi slur. He insisted that he was misunderstood by his critics.
The outspoken trade unionist maintained that he shares cordial ties with people from this community and he has always supported them in different ways.
He also said that he has voted for several leaders from the Kikuyu community, which is a clear indicator that he not against them in any way as alleged.
"Siwezi sema Wakikuyu wote ni washenzi.Mheshimiwa Maina Kamanda welcome. Maina Kamanda mimi nimepigia yeye kura akiwa kijana. Mimi nilizaliwa Nairobi na mimi nataka muelewe, besides ya Kazi yangu ya kupatiwa na Wakikuyu nikikuwa mkubwa kuunza kuwa mdogo Nairobi my first girlfriend ni Mkikuyu,” he said.
(I cannot say all Kikuyus are stupid; Honorable Maina Kamanda welcome. I have voted for Maina Kamanda since he was a young man. I was born in Nairobi and I want you to understand that besides my job that I was given by the Kikuyu community when I was young my first girlfriend was a Kikuyu).
He also asked leaders allied to Deputy President William Ruto not to spread propaganda against him. The 'Washenzi' slur had already started to elicit mixed reactions with leaders from different quarters condemning him over the same.