‘Remove Mud in Your Eyes’: Atwoli’s Wife Challenges COTU Boss Over His Criticism of Edwin Sifuna
Roselinda Simiyu Atwoli, wife of Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, has publicly challenged the veteran trade unionist over his continued criticism of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his political ambitions.
Roselinda made the remarks on Friday, October 30, 2026, during the official launch of the Linda Mwananchi Party headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi. She used the occasion to appeal directly to her husband, urging him to reconsider his position on Sifuna and recognise the political direction many Kenyans want the country to take.
In a pointed message that attracted applause from opposition leaders and supporters attending the event, Roselinda told Atwoli to remove what she described as mud from his eyes so that he could see the direction Kenyans wanted to follow.
Speaking in Swahili, she said: “Na mimi naongea najua kuna wazee wananisikiza, and I want to use this moment to appeal to my husband, Francis Atwoli, aondoe matope kwa macho yake aone mwangaza na aone kule ambako Wakenya wanataka kuenda.”
Her remarks were a direct response to Atwoli’s repeated public statements questioning Sifuna’s preparedness to pursue the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
Roselinda has openly supported Sifuna’s growing political ambitions and frequently refers to herself as Mama ya Sifuna. Her latest intervention has added a new dimension to the political disagreement, bringing a family relationship into a wider debate about generational leadership, political influence and the future of Kenya’s opposition politics.
The exchange has attracted attention because Atwoli is one of the country’s longest-serving and most influential trade union leaders, while Sifuna has emerged as a prominent figure in the changing political landscape.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was among the leaders who appeared pleased with Roselinda’s remarks, joining other attendees in applauding her intervention.
People Daily
Atwoli’s repeated criticism of Sifuna’s presidential ambitions
The disagreement comes after several public statements by Atwoli questioning whether Sifuna has the experience, political networks and financial resources required to mount a successful presidential campaign.
The COTU boss has repeatedly acknowledged Sifuna’s political potential but maintained that the Nairobi senator is moving too quickly by positioning himself for the country’s highest office.
In September 2026, Atwoli openly dismissed the idea of Sifuna becoming president in the immediate future, arguing that the senator needed more time to understand the country’s economic and political challenges.
Speaking during an interview, Atwoli maintained that aspiring presidents must build their political careers gradually and demonstrate their ability to mobilise support beyond their immediate political circles.
He argued that leadership requires years of preparation, experience and engagement with ordinary citizens.
Atwoli also questioned whether Sifuna, who was serving his first term as Nairobi senator, had built a sufficiently strong political foundation to compete for the presidency.
The veteran trade unionist insisted that political ambition alone was not enough to secure national leadership, pointing to the importance of political alliances, financial resources and support from influential leaders across the country.
He also drew comparisons with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s presidential campaigns, recalling the extensive networks and resources required to mobilise support nationally.
According to Atwoli, even Raila, despite his political influence and nationwide support, faced enormous challenges in his attempts to become president.
He therefore argued that Sifuna needed to build a stronger political team before considering a serious presidential campaign.
Although Atwoli described Sifuna as a future leader, he remained firm that the senator’s time to seek the presidency had not yet arrived.
People Daily+2
Atwoli previously described Sifuna’s political activities as a passing cloud
One of Atwoli’s most memorable criticisms came in September 2026, when he dismissed Sifuna’s growing political activities and the large crowds attending his rallies.
The COTU secretary-general described Sifuna’s Jacaranda Grounds rally in Nairobi as a “passing cloud”, suggesting that the political excitement surrounding the senator would eventually disappear.
Atwoli argued that attracting large crowds did not automatically translate into the political strength required to win a presidential election.
He maintained that successful presidential campaigns depend on a combination of grassroots mobilisation, established political networks, financial resources and support from influential leaders.
His remarks came at a time when Sifuna was increasingly attracting attention through the Linda Mwananchi Movement, which had positioned itself as a platform for political mobilisation and an alternative voice in national politics.
The movement’s rallies had drawn politicians, young supporters and citizens dissatisfied with the country’s political and economic direction.
However, Atwoli questioned whether the enthusiasm surrounding the gatherings could be sustained throughout a demanding national campaign.
He also argued that Sifuna needed to build relationships with governors, business leaders and other influential political figures before attempting to compete for the presidency.
The comments generated debate, particularly among supporters who viewed Sifuna’s growing popularity as evidence that younger politicians could challenge established political figures.
Roselinda’s latest remarks appear to challenge this assessment, suggesting that Atwoli should recognise the changing political mood rather than dismiss the senator’s ambitions.
People Daily+2
Roselinda’s support for Sifuna adds another dimension to the political debate
Roselinda has become an increasingly visible supporter of Sifuna, openly expressing confidence in his leadership potential and encouraging people from Western Kenya to support his political ambitions.
Her position has attracted attention because of her relationship with Atwoli, who has taken a considerably different political position regarding the senator.
The latest remarks have therefore highlighted the fact that political differences can exist even among people within the same family.
However, Roselinda’s support for Sifuna should also be understood within her own political interests and ambitions.
She has been associated with efforts to participate more actively in politics and has expressed interest in seeking elective leadership.
Her public appearances alongside politicians supporting Linda Mwananchi have strengthened her association with the movement.
By referring to herself as Mama ya Sifuna, she has also adopted a public identity closely connected to the senator’s political activities.
This has made her one of the more visible personalities supporting the movement, particularly as it seeks to establish a broader political following ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Her decision to directly appeal to Atwoli during the headquarters launch was therefore significant. Rather than simply expressing support for Sifuna, she publicly challenged one of the country’s most influential political voices to reconsider his position.
The intervention also demonstrated how Sifuna’s growing political profile has generated debate beyond traditional party structures, attracting support and criticism from different sections of Kenyan society.
Gachagua joins applause as Roselinda delivers her message
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was among the political leaders who appeared pleased with Roselinda’s remarks during the launch.
His reaction attracted attention because Gachagua has also been engaging with politicians associated with the Linda Mwananchi political formation as opposition leaders explore possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gachagua has increasingly positioned himself as a prominent critic of President William Ruto’s administration and has been seeking to strengthen his political influence, particularly in the Mount Kenya region.
His interactions with Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi leaders have raised expectations about possible political cooperation between different opposition camps.
The former Deputy President has previously defended the right of political groups to organise and seek support across different regions.
At the Lavington event, his positive reaction to Roselinda’s comments added to the atmosphere surrounding the launch and highlighted the political significance of the disagreement with Atwoli.
The exchange also provided an opportunity for opposition leaders to reinforce their message about generational change and the need for younger politicians to have room to participate in national leadership.
Nevertheless, applause at a political event does not necessarily establish a formal alliance or agreement between the leaders involved.
What remains clear is that Sifuna’s political activities are attracting attention from influential figures whose positions could shape the opposition’s direction in the coming months.
Atwoli prepares for major Bukhungu political rally
The disagreement is also unfolding as Atwoli prepares for a major political gathering at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County on December 26, 2026.
The COTU boss has announced plans to mobilise residents of Western Kenya in support of President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
The planned gathering is expected to attract political leaders and supporters from across the region as the country gradually moves towards the 2027 General Election.
Atwoli’s political position has increasingly aligned with the Kenya Kwanza administration, with the veteran trade unionist expressing support for Ruto’s second-term ambitions.
His planned Bukhungu meeting could therefore become an important opportunity to demonstrate his influence in Western Kenya and consolidate support for the President.
However, Gachagua has already responded to Atwoli’s planned gathering with a political challenge.
During the Linda Mwananchi headquarters launch, the former Deputy President urged Western Kenya residents to attend the Bukhungu rally in large numbers but chant slogans supporting Sifuna.
Gachagua’s remarks appeared intended to turn the planned gathering into a demonstration of the region’s political preferences, particularly regarding Sifuna’s growing popularity.
The suggestion also highlighted the emerging competition for political influence in Western Kenya, where several prominent leaders are positioning themselves ahead of the next election.
Atwoli has traditionally enjoyed considerable influence in the region through his trade union activities, political connections and longstanding relationships with influential leaders.
However, Sifuna’s growing popularity and the emergence of Linda Mwananchi could introduce new political dynamics, particularly among younger voters seeking alternative leadership.
The December 26 gathering will therefore attract attention as observers assess whether Atwoli can mobilise the support he expects or whether emerging political formations can challenge his influence.
People Daily
Generational leadership debate takes centre stage
Beyond the personal exchange, the disagreement between Roselinda and Atwoli reflects a wider debate about generational leadership in Kenya.
For years, Kenya’s political landscape has been dominated by established politicians who built their influence through decades of political organisation, alliances and electoral competition.
However, younger leaders are increasingly demanding opportunities to shape the country’s political future.
Sifuna has become one of the prominent figures associated with this emerging political conversation.
His supporters view him as a politician capable of communicating their frustrations and challenging established political interests.
They argue that younger leaders should not be required to wait indefinitely before pursuing senior political positions.
On the other hand, Atwoli represents a school of thought that emphasises experience, political organisation and gradual progression through leadership positions.
His argument is that aspiring presidents must demonstrate their ability to manage complex national issues and build the networks necessary to govern a country.
Both arguments have become part of the wider discussion about what qualifies someone to lead Kenya.
However, the Constitution does not require presidential candidates to serve as senators, governors or members of Parliament before seeking the presidency. Candidates must meet the constitutional qualifications, while voters ultimately determine who receives the mandate.
The debate should therefore focus on leadership ability, integrity, policies, competence and the capacity to address the country’s challenges rather than age or political seniority alone.
For many young Kenyans, the growing interest in Sifuna represents a demand for greater participation in decisions affecting their future.
Issues such as unemployment, taxation, economic opportunities, corruption and the cost of living continue to influence political conversations.
Young voters increasingly want leaders who can address these concerns through practical policies rather than relying exclusively on political rhetoric.
This explains why the disagreement surrounding Sifuna’s ambitions has attracted considerable attention beyond the personalities involved.
Linda Mwananchi gains political attention ahead of 2027
The exchange comes at a crucial moment for the Linda Mwananchi political formation as it seeks to establish itself as a serious player ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The launch of its headquarters in Lavington marked another step in its efforts to build a permanent organisational structure and expand its national presence.
The formation has attracted several prominent politicians and continues to generate debate about the possibility of offering an alternative political direction.
Its growing visibility has also attracted criticism from established political figures who question whether the excitement surrounding its activities can translate into electoral success.
For Sifuna, the challenge will be converting public enthusiasm into a properly organised political campaign.
The movement must develop a clear national agenda, strengthen its grassroots structures and establish a political strategy capable of attracting support across different regions.
It will also need to manage the ambitions of politicians seeking various elective positions while maintaining unity within its leadership.
Roselinda’s public endorsement provides another indication of the political personalities rallying behind Sifuna as the movement expands.
At the same time, Atwoli’s criticism demonstrates that the senator’s ambitions are likely to face resistance from established figures who believe he needs more political preparation.
Whether Sifuna eventually secures the support required to pursue the presidency remains to be seen.
What is increasingly clear, however, is that his political activities have become an important part of conversations surrounding Kenya’s next election.
Roselinda’s message to her husband has therefore added another chapter to the growing debate, placing family relationships, political differences and generational leadership in the same national conversation.
As the 2027 elections approach, attention will remain on whether established political figures can accommodate emerging leaders or whether the changing political mood will produce a new generation of influential politicians.
For now, Roselinda has made her position clear: she wants Atwoli to reconsider his criticism and recognise the political direction she believes many Kenyans are embracing.
