Atwoli claims Uhuru is funding Sifuna to split Western vote

Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula during a funds drive at Mwichina Church of God in Lurambi Constituency, Kakamega County, on July 12, 2026. [Benard Lusigi, Standard] 

Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has launched a scathing attack on Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi brigade, warning that he cannot ascend to the presidency through the support of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking during a funds drive at Mwichina Church of God in Lurambi Constituency, Kakamega County, Atwoli claimed that Uhuru is secretly bankrolling Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi team. 

The Cotu boss further alleged that Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya is part of the axis being used to split the Western Kenya voting bloc, but warned that the “external sponsorship” will not translate into presidential victory for Sifuna.

"I have seen one of our sons announcing to become President, but you cannot be a President with an individual's money or borrowed money; you need friends," Atwoli told the faithful.

Atwoli claimed that the political maneuvers by Sifuna and his associates are a ploy engineered by outsiders to split the Luhya community's unity and they are being swayed by empty promises of state power that will likely never materialise.

"I want to urge our people to be extremely careful and not to listen and accept anything they are being told that seems true," he said adding that, "We have people who are saying and promising things that look like they are real, but in a real sense, they are not.”

The Cotu boss went on to highlight his own deep political network, asserting that true national campaigns require genuine alliances and structural muscle rather than temporary allowances from single financiers.

"People are being sent with money to divide our people. To become president, you need friends, and I am among those people who can help you to fundraise a billion in no time and bankroll your campaign to become a president," he claimed.

He maintained that he was the undisputed political kingmaker of the region and promised to show Western Kenya the political direction later this year.

"I am the one with the key to the Western region votes and I am the one to give political direction," Atwoli declared. "I want to tell those who want to walk in Western to do so between now and December because on December 26, I am going to lock this Western by having Bukhungu 3, where we will give our people direction and the direction is to support President Ruto's re-election bid," said Atwoli.

The Cotu boss also took aim at the growing popularity of the "TAWE"(No) slogan championed by some regional leaders, claiming that it was counterproductive to development and the community's representation in national leadership.

"I want to tell our people to rectify those saying TAWE to everything; you cannot be opposing everything. We have our sons and daughters in the current Cabinet. If we go by the slogan TAWE, does it mean that we don't want them to be in the government?" He posed.

Atwoli urged Western residents to reject overtures from the opposition camp led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

He urged the region to remain steadfast within the government to secure their position come the 2032 General Election.

"I want to tell our people not to listen to people who are duping them to opt out of government and wait for someone to form his government and incorporate them. Let us stick where we are currently in President Ruto’s administration because it will offer a good opportunity for our region to succeed him in 2032," he said.

"Gachagua should not lie to you that he is the best alternative; even in his own home turf, he is not trusted. We have seen the magnitude of development President Ruto has brought to this region. Let us stick with him because Gachagua is more dangerous than any crop of leaders we have," Atwoli added.

The Cotu boss argued that according to Kenya's political tradition heads of state serve two terms, and President Ruto would be no exception.

Echoing Atwoli's sentiments, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula affirmed that the local leadership and the electorate would strictly follow the political direction given by the Cotu boss.

Savula emphasized that the region’s leaders had made a decision to back President Ruto's re-election and seek the top seat in 2032.

"Atwoli is our elder and we will follow the direction he will show us," he said.

"Already we have resolved to support Ruto to serve his two terms because of the substantive development we have seen in the region."

Savula dismissed Gachagua’s capacity to mount a challenge against the head of state.

"Gachagua has no political muscles to unseat Ruto," Savula said.

“He served for one term as an MP and barely a term as DP, and therefore he has no capacity because he never helped any other regions other than his own region," said Savula.