COTU Boss Francis Atwoli Seeks to Raise Billions to Fund 2022 Presidential Campaign

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary general Francis Atwoli says he has began raising cash to fund 2022 presidential elections.

In an interview with the Nairobian, the outspoken trade unionist said he has already set aside half-a-billion shillings to run the presidential campaign for a candidate from the Western region.

Atwolis said he seeks to raise billions of shillings from some of his friends across the world to enable the candidate rollout a formidable campaign.

“I have friends worldwide and when I approached them with the idea they gave me money wholeheartedly. We want to support one candidate for the presidency to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta,” Atwoli said.

Atwoli says a serious presidential contender must have at least Sh10 billion for the campaign.

“Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetang’ula  and Wycliffe Oparanya have all declared their interest for the top seat. We will decide who among the three and any other person who will show interest in the seat, to support. But first, we must raise Sh10 billion for the campaign,” he declared.

He said a sole presidential candidate from Western region will be picked during "Bukhungu Declaration" ahead of the 2022 elections.

“All candidates from Western Kenya eyeing the presidency will undergo vigorous vetting, we will conduct an opinion poll to get the most popular candidate and even subject them to a nomination exercise,” Atwoli declared.