09 September 2022

• Francis Atwoli is an Azimio la Umoja diehard follower.

• Before the elctions he had told people to get used to Raila Odinga's voice as their new President.

COTU boss Francis Atwoli has told Kenyans to get used to the voice of their new President-elect William Ruto.

In what seems like an apology, Atwoli says he never dreamt of the day he would be asking people to support Ruto as he is an Azimio la Umoja die-hard.

“I had told people to get used to Raila Odinga's voice. Sikujua nitarudi hapa kuwaambia mzoee sauti ya Ruto.

"We went to bed knowing we had won but Ruto outsmarted us. Sisi tulienda kulala tukijua tumeshinda, kumbe sisi tunafanya siasa ambayo haina ujuzi," Atwoli explained.

In a statement released via his social media pages, Atwoli disclosed that COTU agreed to congratulate the President-elect immediately after the Supreme Court ruling.

“During COTU (K) Executive Board meeting on 17th August, we resolved THAT immediately after the Supreme Court judgment, we must thank and congratulate the victor. Consequently, we congratulate President William Ruto," Atwoli said in part.

The COTU boss went on to appeal to all workers across the country to remain calm and peaceful.

“We appeal to workers and Kenyans, in general, to remain peaceful,” Atwoli said.

The trade union boss was a staunch supporter of Azimio la Umoja Raila Odinga and he was quoted severally saying Ruto will never be the President of Kenya.

On Monday, September 5, 2022, the Supreme Court unanimously confirmed William Ruto as President-elect.

“We declare the election of the 1st Respondent as president-elect to be valid under Article 143 of the constitution," Martha Koome said.

Ruto received 50% plus one of the total votes cast, according to Chief Justice Martha Koome, who read the verdict on Monday.

"It is not mathematical sound and that the rounding off of IEBC was correct. The petitioners did not offer a water tight case," Koome said.