On Thursday, President William Ruto visited the home of Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli in Khwisero, Kakamega County, marking a significant moment in his ongoing development tour of Western Kenya. The visit took place on the fourth day of Ruto’s tour, which aims to strengthen ties and promote development in the region.
The President, accompanied by senior government officials, was warmly welcomed by Atwoli and his family at their Khwisero residence. This personal and symbolic gesture highlights the strong political and social bonds between the President and the influential trade union leader, who has been a key figure in Kenya’s labor and political landscape.
Atwoli shared the moment on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), expressing his gratitude to the President: “Thank you, your Excellency, for visiting and sharing a meal with us.” The post accompanied a photo of the cordial reception, underscoring the importance of the visit in both political and social contexts. The warm interaction between the two leaders comes at a time when Ruto’s administration is focused on fostering development and unity across Kenya, particularly in regions like Western Kenya, which has historically been underrepresented in terms of infrastructure and investment.
Ruto’s visit is part of a broader effort to accelerate development in Western Kenya, a region that has seen significant investments in education, infrastructure, and health under his administration. The tour has been described as “successful and impactful,” with Ruto engaging with local communities and government officials to understand their needs and to push for long-term improvements.
The visit to Atwoli’s home is also a reflection of Ruto’s strategy to engage key regional leaders in a bid to unify the country. By fostering relationships with influential figures like Atwoli, the President is signaling his commitment to inclusivity and addressing the diverse concerns of all Kenyans.