He has always been one of the most vocal voices in Kenya and ahead of the 2022 general election, Central Organization of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, is seemingly becoming one of the most powerful players, at least going by his most recent actions.
From declaring that President Uhuru Kenyatta is 'too young to retire' to driving the Building Bridges Initiative agenda, the veteran trade unionist's role in 2022 succession politics remains a mystery.
When he was given the opportunity to speak during the launch of BBI report at the Bomas of Kenya last month, Atwoli advocated for the creation of two Deputy Presidents position.
Just recently, he hosted ODM leader Raila Odinga and his wife, Ida, at his Kakamega home. The meeting was also attended by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Senator Cleophas Malala.
Details of the meeting remain scanty. However, former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale took an issue with the trade unionist, claiming he doesn't have the interests of the Luhya community at heart. But in a quick rebuttal, Atwoli told him off saying that he is free to host anyone at his home.
In the run to the 2017 election, Atwoli hosted all Luhya leaders at Bukhungu Stadium, where former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi was crowned the community's spokesperson.
Mudavadi would later team up with Raila and others in the NASA coalition which lost to President Kenyatta in the August 2017 poll.
Now enjoying a very good relationship with both Uhuru and Raila, Atwoli has emerged as a key BBI advocate.
Going to 2022 election, could Atwoli be brokering a political deal between Uhuru and Raila? Time will tell.
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