Atwoli: The Turncoat or The Master of Irony?
It seems a few years of daliance and romance with the Ruto administration is coming to an end, or is it?
In the realm of trade unions, where the battle cry is often for the rights and welfare of the hardworking citizens, one man has managed to turn the narrative into a tragicomedy of epic proportions. Francis Atwoli, the head honcho of Kenya's Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), has embarked on a journey that can only be described as a rollercoaster of contradictions.
For over three years, Atwoli has been the government's cheerleader, waving pom-poms in support of policies that have left workers in the lurch. His sudden metamorphosis into the workers' messiah reeks of irony and leaves many questioning his motives.
One cannot forget the Finance Act of 2023, a legislative monstrosity that introduced regressive taxation, sending shockwaves through the economy. Atwoli, in a stunning display of loyalty to the powers that be, threw his weight behind this disastrous policy. The very man entrusted with safeguarding the interests of workers appeared to have developed a peculiar taste for biting the hand that feeds the labor force.
Atwoli's support for the government's regressive taxation didn't just stop at applause from the sidelines. He actively championed these policies, policies that resulted in job losses and inflated the cost of living for ordinary Kenyans. It's almost as if he believed workers were yearning for a heavier burden on their shoulders.
However, in a plot twist that would make even the most seasoned scriptwriter raise an eyebrow, Atwoli has now pivoted to a stance that seemingly opposes the very government he was singing praises for not so long ago. His sudden criticism of the government's irresponsible borrowing practices, accusing them of plunging the country into a debt hole, has left many scratching their heads.
One cannot help but wonder: Is Atwoli a turncoat, or is he the ultimate master of irony? It takes a special kind of skill to flip-flop so seamlessly between endorsing detrimental policies and donning the cape of a workers' advocate. From giving Azimio coalition that Omanyala-sprint to go and kiss the president's cheeks to now calling out the president? Who is Atwoli? Do we really know this Man?
In yesterday's tirade against the government, Atwoli pointed fingers at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, claiming their loans come with conditions that make life unbearable for Kenyans. This newfound concern for the well-being of ordinary citizens seems almost disingenuous, coming from a man who was complicit in endorsing policies that pushed them to the brink.
Accusing the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) of intentionally devaluing the Kenyan shilling, Atwoli now paints himself as a defender of economic stability. It's a narrative that clashes violently with his past support for measures that contributed to the very economic turmoil he is now decrying.
While releasing a report titled 'Turning The Tide On Kenya’s Economy: Recovery and Prosperity Through The Workers’ Lenses,' Atwoli suddenly became the voice of reason, highlighting how current taxation policies have negatively impacted Kenyan employees. It's as if he just discovered the consequences of the policies he previously championed. I look forward to reading the content of the COTU report though.
In a twist that borders on the absurd, Atwoli questioned the government's wisdom in borrowing, conveniently forgetting his earlier endorsement of unmitigated borrowing. It's almost as if he expects Kenyans to suffer the consequences of policies he once passionately supported without any memory of his prior stance.
The call for economists to advise the government on the dangers of over-borrowing now sounds like a desperate attempt to distance himself from the chaos he helped create. It's a classic case of closing the barn door after the horses have bolted. As he proposes stakeholder engagement and urgent solutions to lower the cost of living, one can't help but marvel at the audacity of this theatrical performance. It's a comedy of errors, with Atwoli playing the lead role of a turncoat turned savior.
In the grand finale of this tragicomedy, one can't help but wonder if Atwoli will continue to dance on the tightrope of irony or if he'll finally choose a side and stick to it. Until then, the workers of Kenya remain an unwitting audience to this theatric spectacle of contradictions.
Can you imagine Atwoli's inner monologue?
