Atwoli: I did not say Ruto can’t be a president, a winner must be accepted

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has welcomed the Supreme Court ruling that upheld the election of William Ruto as the fifth president of Kenya.

Speaking after the ruling, Atwoli, who was a critic of Ruto said he respects the will of the people, and the subsequent decision of the court.

“This is what democracy is, we as COTU had endorsed Raila Odinga as their presidential candidate…. This time we took a position and in my own self as a democrat,” Atwoli told NTV.

During events leading to the 2022 General Election, Atwoli once expressed confidence that it is Raila who will win the polls, and not Ruto.

Now, he says that he did not mean Ruto would never be a head of state.

 “As I have said always, William Samoei Ruto is an articulate politician. But I had envisioned that he can’t become the fifth President of Kenya , I did not say he can’t be a president,” he said.

“He is a president and I am urging all Kenyans of good will to rally behind him, give him an opportunity to form his government, support him. Lets give him time to see if he can re-organize our economy,” Atwoli added.

The trade unionist urged Kenyans to accept the status quo.

“A winner must be accepted, we must accept that our fifth president, as it has gone through all stages… is William Samoei Ruto. That is what Kenyans wanted, that is what it is,” he said.

Atwoli was asked whether he would take back his words against Ruto.

He responded; “I know Ruto, who has a host of international and local lawyers will be able to understand that. The Universal UN charter for civil and political rights provides that anybody in a democratic country can take any position, say anything but that cannot be held against them.”

The COTU boss also added that the Azimio camp had resorted to acknowledge the person who will be declared president after the Supreme Court ruling.

“On 17th, we convened our court executive board. We said since Azimio has gone to court, immediately after the verdict we will be in a position to congratulate the victor in this exercise,” he said.