Francis Atwoli, the secretary-general of the Central Organizations for Trade Unions (COTU-K), disclosed that he called Azimio leader Raila Odinga on the phone before visiting President William Ruto at the State House on December 1st.
Speaking on Saturday, December 3 at a funeral in Khwisero, Kakamega County, Atwoli said he told Raila that he had to see Ruto for the benefit of the workers he represented.
He explained that supporting the former prime minister in opposition to the ruling party would put his job in danger and harm Kenyan workers.
"I explained to Raila that I have a constituency of my own that I represent, that I participate in politics of representation, and that I support worker-related issues - but we did not win the presidency.
As a global labor leader, Atwoli said, "I went to those who got it so they could help me implement the international labor convention standards that I'm known for."
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) benefits to employees were among the topics discussed, according to the COTU boss.
He made it clear, though, that their new bond would endure past Ruto's five-year mandate.
"What makes you think that he won't walk over us in 2027 if that young man (Ruto) grabbed the seat from us yet we had Uhuru Kenyatta, who was the government?" Atwoli sat.
Additionally, he disclosed that he and the head of state had forgotten the acrimonious argument they had before the elections, which included slurs like "kukata miti Sugoi" and "mzee wa nyororo."
Atwoli pushed off claims that he warmed up to Ruto out of self-interest, noting that the encounter took place in the open.
He revealed that Senator Boni Khakwale of Kakamega and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi were there when he saw the president.
The outspoken trade unionist supported Mudavadi as the ruler of the Western region and urged him to bring the area together so that it could speak with one voice.
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