Swearing-in Raila Could Ignite Violence, Cotu Boss Francis Atwoli Warns

Central Organisation of Trade Union (COTU) secretary general Francis Atwoli has warned that the inauguration of National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga as people's president could ignite violence in the country.

Speaking in Nairobi, the Cotu boss said the opposition should shelve the plan, adding that President Kenyatta and Odinga should put their personal interests aside for the sake of the country's unity.

“I may not be competent to advise President Uhuru Kenyatta or Raila, but I’m asking them to put the interest of this country first and agree to engage to lower political temperatures,” he said.

He added: “We are at the edge of the precipice and the swearing in of Raila could ignite turmoil.”

Atwoli urged the Opposition leader to seek alternative strategies of pushing for electoral reforms, stating that, going ahead with the swearing in ceremony would only lead to loss of more lives like witnessed during the electioneering period.

“Swearing in of Raila could escalate political tension and lead to confrontations between opposition supporters and security agencies. It is better to have a bad government in place than to have none,” he said.

“The Opposition should first weigh the consequences of their actions when the country is divided politically.”