We want to eradicate poverty – Atwoli insists on BBI as Ruto, Raila oppose postponement polls
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) boss Francis Atwoli has stressed that there is need for constitutional change in the country.
The trade unionist made the remarks while addressing trade unionists across Africa at a conference in Nairobi on Monday, June 28.
“We need to revisit this constitution, all these countries that have developed, people are tuned to think towards one line, we want to get out of poverty,” Atwoli said.
He further added that it is the duty of labour organizations globally to stand up and say that the incoming administration must protect it’s citizens.
Atwoli’s statement comes barely a week after he said the 2022 polls will be postponed to pave way for BBI.
According to the unionist, next years polls will be postponed if the courts don't give a favorable judgment on BBI.
"If anything happens and they don't give us a ruling, we will still move to the supreme court. If we don't get it then we will appeal through our Parliamentarians to extend the election even by one year," Atwoli said.
Atwoli claimed the interest of workers and Kenyans at large are the main reason behind the decision to allegedly postpone next year’s polls.
"We want peace in this country as workers, after every five years the recipients of the problems are workers. Our children are maimed.
"Our children are killed. Those people who do seasonal or casual or contractual employment when there are problems, they don't get work," Atwoli said.
However, leaders from the political divide led by Deputy President William Ruto have stated that the 2022 polls should not be postponed.
“Those saying you must change the Constitution whether you like it or not... whether the courts like it or not and if you don’t we are going to postpone the elections that is the language of impunity,” Ruto said during a live TV interview on Tuesday last week.
Also weighing in on the matter was National Assembly Minority leader Junet Mohamed who stressed that next year’s polls should not be postponed.
“We are strongly opposed to any debate on postponing next year’s election. Not even for a minute should the General Election be extended,” Junet said in an interview with a local daily
