COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has offered a candid perspective on what Busia Senator Okiyah Omtatah must do to ascend to the presidency in Kenya. Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Atwoli underscored that leadership aspirations at the national level require meticulous planning, significant resources, and a united support base.
Uniting the Western Kenya Region
Atwoli emphasized that Omtatah’s first step should be to consolidate the Western Kenya region, a critical voting bloc. The trade unionist argued that the Busia Senator must engage leaders across the region, including prominent figures such as National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and legal luminary Amos Wako.
“Okiyah must bring the Western leadership together. He must seriously consult people like Amos Wako, in his Busia turf. He must move to Bungoma and consult people like Moses Wetang’ula, look for Musalia Mudavadi and move close to him,” Atwoli stated.
The unity of Western leaders, Atwoli noted, would establish a strong foundation for Omtatah’s campaign. Without this cohesion, he warned, the region could become fragmented, diluting Omtatah’s chances of success.
The Role of Resources in Campaigning
A crucial element of Atwoli’s advice revolved around finances. According to him, political campaigns, especially at the presidential level, demand substantial wealth to fund and sustain operations.
“If he came to me, the first thing I would ask him is let me see your budget and whether you are going to depend on well-wishers or what do you have as a person,” Atwoli said, adding that political success globally is often linked to wealth.
Atwoli argued that financial independence not only demonstrates a candidate’s preparedness but also attracts influential allies and potential supporters. He pointed out that emerging political figures are often scrutinized based on their ability to mobilize resources, noting that “nobody wants to be associated with a poor person.”
The Need for Strategic Consultations
The COTU boss further advised Omtatah to create a caucus of seasoned political minds to assess the viability of his presidential ambitions. Such consultations, he explained, would provide the senator with a realistic evaluation of his chances and outline the steps required to solidify his bid.
“At the end of the day, let him have a caucus that will be able to tell him, ‘Here you will be able to make it or not,’” Atwoli said.
This strategic approach, he added, would also help Omtatah navigate the competitive political landscape, as the Western region is likely to produce multiple presidential aspirants.
The Importance of Long-Term Planning
Atwoli acknowledged Omtatah’s recent efforts, including the formation of a 10-member Presidential Exploratory Committee to assess the feasibility of his candidacy. While commending the initiative, he stressed that research alone would not guarantee success.
“You can do thousands of research, but there are key elements of political achievements,” Atwoli remarked, highlighting the importance of aligning Omtatah’s vision with practical strategies.
A Challenging Path Ahead
The advice from Atwoli highlights the complexity of Omtatah’s ambition to vie for Kenya’s top political office. While the senator has built a reputation as a principled activist and a defender of constitutionalism, transitioning from an advocacy role to the presidency requires a multifaceted approach.
From uniting a fragmented region to securing adequate funding, Omtatah faces significant hurdles. However, his determination, demonstrated by his recent steps, suggests he is ready to take on the challenge.
Whether Omtatah can overcome these obstacles will depend on his ability to build alliances, attract resources, and present a compelling vision for Kenya’s future. For now, the advice from Atwoli offers a roadmap that could shape the Busia senator’s journey to State House.
