COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of playing a significant role in the defeat of Raila Odinga in the 2022 General Election, as political tensions continue to simmer within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Wednesday night, January 7, Atwoli said Kenyatta failed to take an active and hands-on role in Raila’s campaign despite publicly endorsing him. He argued that the former Head of State did not adequately mobilise key leaders or effectively coordinate campaign teams on the ground, a lapse that significantly weakened the Azimio la Umoja campaign.

“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta was responsible for Raila’s loss in 2022. Even if we were to amend the Constitution to accommodate him, that would not make Raila a winner. Even if Uhuru were to run in 2027, he would not defeat President Ruto. After elections, we must accept defeat,” Atwoli said.

According to the trade unionist, Kenyatta appeared to support Raila publicly but failed to take concrete steps to consolidate and energise the campaign machinery. He claimed that there was no serious effort to bring together those leading the campaigns across the country, a factor he believes proved costly at the ballot.

Atwoli also issued a warning to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who was recently named Deputy Party Leader of the Jubilee Party and has declared his intention to vie for the presidency with the backing of the former Head of State.

“Uhuru appeared to be supporting Baba, but at no point did he convene a meeting with those on the frontline campaigning for Raila. Now I hear he wants Matiang’i to be President. If Matiang’i is not careful with his own moves, Uhuru will not make him President. If he did not make Raila President, how can he make Matiang’i President?” Atwoli posed.

These remarks come at a time when ODM is grappling with internal divisions, with factions split over the party’s position in the broad-based government. The disagreements have particularly centred on Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and other leaders who have openly criticised the government despite ODM being part of it.

Amid the escalating discord, ODM party leader Oburu Odinga met with Sifuna on Wednesday at the party leader’s office in Nairobi in an effort to defuse the standoff and reinforce unity, dialogue and cohesion within the party.

Sifuna has faced sustained pressure from sections of ODM, with some members pushing for his removal over his firm stance and repeated criticism of the broad-based government. However, Oburu defended the Nairobi Senator, describing him as a sober and principled voice whose commitment to democratic ideals remains highly valued within the party. He also appeared to dismiss attempts to rein in the outspoken senator, underscoring the importance of free expression and open debate within ODM.