The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli on Sunday changed tone against Deputy President William Ruto.
In an undated video doing rounds on social media, Atwoli praises Luhya leaders associating themselves with DP Ruto saying they are consulting about 2022.
He attacked ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi for not engaging in power negotiations as is the case with Kimilili MP Didimus Barasa and others.
"Instead of walking around proudly as a representative of Western Kenya, you look for excuses saying you cannot support another leader. I proposed handshake and constitutional changes and they have happened. Politics is about negotiating and I want to thank those walking around with DP Ruto including Mr Didimus Barasa. Let them negotiate."
(Badala ya kutembea kama mjumbe wa Western kifua chako kikiwa mbele, unasema Atwoli proposed handshake ikafanyika na ni Mluhya. Atwoli akapropose mambo ya revisiting the constitution two years ago siku ta Labour Day. Sasa unasema hii ni ya mtu ingine. Watu wako huko wananegotiate. Politics is to negotiate. Na mimi nataka kushukuru wale wanatembea na Ruto kama Didimus. Wacha wakae huko wanegotiate.)," Atwoli says in a video posted by @Nuchinasri1.
He promised to work with DP Ruto if his plan is great.
"We want to be united and work with all leaders. You have a constitutional right to work with DP Ruto. If we see his plan is great, we will support him. (We want to get united. Sisi tunataka kufanya na nyinyi wabunge wote wale wako hapa. You have a constitutiobal right kutembea na William Ruto. Tukiangalia mambo yake iko sawasawa, tutatembea na yeye.)," he added.
The support from the vocal trade unionist surfaces after he lashed at the Deputy President for allegedly invading Western Kenya. He promised to make sure Mr Ruto does not get the support he desires from the Luhya community.
“If the deputy president thinks he can win the support of the Luhya community by frequenting western region to attend church functions and making donations, he is mistaken. Some of our leaders have become cheap and are busy chasing handouts,” said Mr Atwoli while at Bukhwala Seventh Day Adventist Church in Khwisero Constituency as reported by Nation.