Kalonzo best person to replace Raila as opposition chief – Atwoli

Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary General Francis Atwoli now says that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is best placed to take over as Opposition leader.

Speaking on Sunday, Atwoli said the opposition does not have to look any further, should Raila become the new African Union Commission chairperson.

He insisted that Kalonzo is a respected leader with good moral standing.

"Those of you remaining in Azimio will not hold another meeting to pick a leader. You already have a leader, a senior counsel, a lawyer of integrity, a diplomat in the name of Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka," Atwoli said.

The Cotu boss said that Kalonzo is the leader who will bring together the government and the opposition for Kenya to move in one direction.

He said that the former vice president has done it before in other countries on behalf of Kenya.

"I know he will narrow the gap between government and the opposition politics because he has done it in Sudan and many other African countries on behalf of our Kenyan government."

Atwoli noted that if we are to see any tangible development such as the development that is now taking place globally, all Kenyans must work together. 

Kalonzo was among Azimio leaders present at the Cotu Thanksgiving prayer day held on Sunday. He was accompanied by former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa among other leaders.

Atwoli's remarks come even as reports of a split over Raila's exit emerge.

Kalonzo on the other hand has stepped up his engagements in a bid to cement his grip on the areas controlled by Raila, should the Opposition leader become AU Commission chairperson.

In December last year, the Wiper leader said that he will start his 2027 campaigns early just like William Ruto did when he was deputy President.

He also insists that he must be on the ballot in 2027 as it is his only chance to lead Kenya.