Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has firmly responded to remarks made by Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, who questioned his financial readiness and political strategy for the 2027 presidential elections. In a sharply-worded reply, Omtatah asserted that his presidential ambitions were driven not by wealth, but by a vision to bring real change to Kenya, prioritising the rule of law and full implementation of the 2010 Constitution.
Atwoli’s comments, made during a recent interview with Citizen TV, were aimed at discouraging the Senator’s bid for the presidency, based on his perceived lack of financial resources. The seasoned trade unionist and political figure advised Omtatah to carefully assess his financial readiness, suggesting that without significant savings or financial backing, the Senator would struggle to mount a successful campaign. He stated, “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?’” Atwoli also noted that political campaigns require substantial financial resources, and in his view, the absence of such funds would make it difficult for Omtatah to garner the necessary support from voters and donors alike.
Despite Atwoli’s blunt remarks, Omtatah was quick to assert that wealth should not be a determining factor in one’s ability to lead. The Senator made it clear that his candidacy is grounded in a commitment to serve the people of Kenya, emphasizing that leadership should be based on vision, integrity, and the ability to enact change, rather than personal wealth or privilege. “Ordinary Kenyans, not wealth or privilege, are the backbone of any true movement for change,” Omtatah declared. “We will demonstrate that a people-powered campaign can inspire hope and deliver a brighter future for all.”
The Senator’s response highlights the central tenet of his political message: that leadership in Kenya must be about addressing the needs of the people and not about accumulating wealth or appeasing political elites. His vision for Kenya’s future is centered on the full implementation of the 2010 Constitution, which he believes has the potential to transform the country if only the political will existed to see it fully realized. Omtatah pointed out that many of the constitutional provisions, especially those concerning public finances, have yet to be fully implemented, preventing the country from reaching its true potential.
This vision has guided Omtatah throughout his political career, and in his 2027 bid, he has stated that he will continue to champion a “people-driven” campaign. “We don’t have money to burn, but we have ideas and a solid programme,” he remarked, emphasizing that his focus would be on engaging Kenyans in meaningful discussions, rather than relying on large financial resources. Omtatah has long been a critic of the political establishment, and his presidential aspirations are driven by his belief that the country deserves leadership that prioritizes the rule of law and fairness, over material gain.
Earlier this week, Omtatah took a significant step towards formalizing his presidential bid by unveiling a 10-member presidential exploratory committee. The committee will assist in assessing the viability of his candidacy and the best approach for launching a nationwide campaign. The committee will also focus on engaging with Kenyans from various walks of life, ensuring that the campaign remains grounded in the concerns of ordinary citizens, rather than a select group of political elites.
Atwoli, on the other hand, believes that Omtatah’s chances of success in 2027 hinge on building alliances with key political figures from the Western region, including prominent leaders such as former Attorney General Amos Wako, Moses Wetang’ula, and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi. Atwoli stressed the importance of forming a united front in Western Kenya, stating, “Okiyah must bring the Western leadership together.”
Despite these divergent views, both Atwoli and Omtatah agree on one thing: that the 2027 elections will be fiercely contested, with President William Ruto poised to seek re-election. Atwoli has expressed confidence in Ruto’s chances, predicting that the President will secure re-election due to his strong regional support and strategic political moves.
As Omtatah continues to chart his course towards 2027, his focus remains squarely on a campaign that is fueled by ideas, integrity, and the vision of a better future for all Kenyans, rather than financial power or political alliances. The coming months will likely see more developments in Omtatah’s presidential journey, as he works to build momentum and gather support from those who believe in his vision for Kenya.
