The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has downplayed Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah's presidential ambitions, urging him to focus on building alliances with regional leaders and ensuring financial readiness ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Citizen TV's JKLive show, Atwoli emphasized the importance of collaboration with Western Kenya leaders, such as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, to strengthen Omtatah's political base.

“Okiyah must bring the Western leadership together,” said Atwoli. “He must seriously consult people like Amos Wako, move to Bungoma and consult people like Moses Wetang’ula, and look for Mudavadi. From there, let him have a caucus, and we will be able to tell him whether he will be able to make it or not.”

The veteran unionist dismissed reliance on research alone as a basis for political strategy, advocating for a more hands-on, practical approach.

“You can do thousands and thousands of research, but there are some key elements of political achievements you must be told to do,” he stated.

Atwoli also pointed out the critical role of financial preparedness in any political campaign, advising Omtatah to assess his budget and resources.

“If he came to me, I would tell him, let me see your budget. Are you going to depend on well-wishers, or what do you have as a person? Because when you are emerging for a political position, you must have saved. The world over, nobody wants to be associated with a poor person,” Atwoli remarked.

Atwoli expressed confidence in President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027, attributing it to his strategic political appointments and regional support.

Reflecting on Ruto’s victory in 2022, Atwoli warned against underestimating him, noting that Ruto defeated former Prime Minister Raila Odinga despite Odinga’s backing by a sitting president—Uhuru Kenyatta.

“With the direction President William Ruto has taken, that trajectory that he is now taking, he will be the President at 10 a.m. 2027,” Atwoli said. “Don’t underestimate Ruto. In this country, I fear losing, and I am a serious campaigner. I did everything in the books of politics by supporting Raila Odinga; we had everybody in the Republic of Kenya, and we had a sitting president behind us, and we lost. If you want to bet, bet for Ruto.”

Senator Omtatah officially launched his presidential exploratory campaign on Wednesday, forming a 10-member committee led by Mary Kathomi. The team comprises political strategists, activists, and legal experts tasked with conducting nationwide opinion polls to gauge his popularity and develop strategies to challenge potential opponents.

Omtatah remains optimistic, positioning himself as an alternative to the Kenya Kwanza administration, which he accuses of failing Kenyans.

“My focus will not waver. I know there is a fight to dislodge President William Ruto, and I am ready,” Omtatah said, urging Kenyans to support his cause.

Atwoli also weighed in on Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s potential to unseat Ruto.

“I am the one who put Kalonzo in his current position. I told him Raila is tired and that he should take over. However, for 2027, the deal is already done,” Atwoli remarked.