Written by Lisa Murimi
What began as a simple disagreement over an article spiraled into a dramatic and explosive exchange on social media this week, involving COTU boss Francis Atwoli, activist Hanifa Adan, and People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua.
The feud began when Atwoli took issue with Hanifa’s newspaper piece titled “You’re Tomorrow’s Leaders”, which criticized his lengthy tenure at COTU and called on Kenyan youth to step up in leadership roles.
Atwoli, angered by the article, responded with a fiery rebuttal, attacking Hanifa’s credibility and accusing her of misappropriating funds raised for injured Gen Z protesters.
“Hanifa should be the last person lecturing anyone on leadership or the occupation of leadership positions, given her track record that is riddled with integrity concerns,” he ranted without proof.
“It is publicly known that Hanifa pocketed millions of Kenyan shillings contributed by well-meaning Kenyans who were raising funds to support youth who were injured or killed during the June 25th protests.”
In a rant that caught the attention of many, Atwoli derided Hanifa as “the Super-Young-Con-Woman,” calling her unfit to lecture others on leadership due to her alleged financial misconduct.
He raved on: “How, then, can the Super-Young-Con-Woman position herself as a credible voice on leadership when she failed so blatantly during the one critical moment when she was called upon to lead?”
But Hanifa was far from backing down. She quickly shot back, accusing Atwoli of being unworthy to address her and claiming to have fully accounted for the funds she managed.
“Dear Francis Atwoli, you’re officially my business you fat toad. Anyone with information on this guy please do the necessary.” Hanifa snapped, vowing to expose Atwoli’s alleged wrongdoings and promising to march on his office.
Martha Karua soon entered the fray, defending Hanifa and calling Atwoli’s attack “disproportionate.”
She wrote: “My brother @AtwoliDza I am saddened by your vicious attack on @Honeyfarsafi a young patriotic leader who played an incredible role in mobilizing support for the victims of police brutality and who publicly accounted for the funds. Her article may have rubbed you the wrong way but your response is by all standards disproportionate.”
She highlighted Hanifa’s transparent handling of funds for Gen Z victims. Atwoli, undeterred, escalated the clash by questioning Karua’s support and bringing up unresolved murder cases.
The fiery spat has captivated the public, with netizens picking sides. Popular lawyer Willis Otieno slammed Atwoli’s leadership, while many youths rallied behind Hanifa, calling for change in Kenya’s leadership dynamics.
As the war of words rages on, it’s clear this clash isn’t ending anytime soon.
