ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale has defended COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli over attacks from a section of Western Kenya leaders, regarding the Bukhungu Stadium meeting set for next week.
In a series of tweets on Thursday, Etale said Atwoli has always been on forefront on matters regarding the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), and should not be attacked for championing what he believes in.He said Atwoli means well for the nation, adding that the meeting will be entirely about the BBI. “But who said the Bukhungu Stadium event is about Luhya Unity? Sometimes we have to be good thinkers. What I know, the 18/1/2020 meeting will be about BBI and BBI only. Those against the unity of the nation, the fight against corruption and electoral injustice are against the rally,” he tweeted.“Francis Atwoli has been a proponent for the implementation of the BBI report. He has stood for the unity of the country. He has said no to any leader with questionable character. He has always spoken about the BBI. Anyone who fears his engagement in the Bukhungu meeting is selfish," he added.A number of top leaders from the region have vowed not to attend the meeting. The leaders have accused Atwoli and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya of spearheading ODM leader Raila Odinga's agenda in the Western region.