The war of words between Deputy President William Ruto's troops and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli escalated on Sunday, with both sides daring each other over 2022 polls.

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At Bukwala SDA Church, Atwoli had cautioned DP Ruto over his numerous trips to Western Kenya, claiming that he won't be part of 2022 succession plan.

The COTU boss went ahead to threat Ruto's supporters from Western, arguing that they cannot win elective seats without his endorsement.

“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.

But in a quick rejoinder, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, a confidant of Dr Ruto, took at swipe at Atwoli, dismissing his alleged influence in Kenya's politics.

The lawmaker, who was attending a local wedding, accused Atwoli of eloping with people's wives, claiming that even some MPs were victims of his 'mannerless' actions.

"Atwoli the fossil idiot is the epitome of incompetence, promiscuity and corruption. As director he's been at the helm of NHIF, NSSF, National Bank for decades; all public institutions riddled with monumental theft, lose of public money and corruption," he claimed.

"Many young people including MPs have lost spouses young enough to be grandchildren to Atwoli's promiscuity oiled by stolen money from poor unsuspecting workers," he added.

On Sunday, Atwoli defended his actions of marrying youthful anchor Mary Kilobi as his third wife, adding that "God will find it important to forgive his actions".

Mr Atwoli has been at loggerheads with Deputy President William Ruto, a tussle that started when he almost faced ouster from the union in 2018.