Kenya's political landscape has been stirred by a recent controversy surrounding the 2022 presidential election. Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has publicly responded to former President Uhuru Kenyatta's claims that Raila Odinga won the election. Duale accused Uhuru of reopening a sensitive chapter in Kenyan politics, warning him against attempting to rewrite the history of the contest. This public spat has brought attention to the events surrounding the 2022 election.
Uhuru Kenyatta made the remarks during a Jubilee Party meeting in Nairobi on September 22, stating that he remained convinced Raila had won the election. He also questioned how Azimio could have won a significant number of parliamentary and county seats while losing the presidency. However, Uhuru said he had accepted the Supreme Court's decision and handed over power to President William Ruto. Duale has now challenged Uhuru's assertions.
Duale made a series of allegations against Uhuru, claiming that the former president sent officials from the National Security Advisory Council (NSAC) to the Bomas of Kenya during the presidential tallying. He alleged that Uhuru used the four dissenting IEBC commissioners to interfere with the electoral process. Duale also claimed that there were attempts to have returning officers abducted to facilitate changes to the election results.
Duale's remarks came as he declared his support for President Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election. He stated that former political rivals were now working together under the broad-based government. Duale said he and others who had previously supported Raila were now backing Ruto. He recalled his time in ODM, serving under Henry Kosgei, Anyang' Nyong'o, and Raila Odinga.
Duale compared Ruto's leadership with that of former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, saying the difference was like night and day. He credited the Ruto administration with addressing longstanding discrimination against pastoralist and Muslim communities. Duale cited the removal of vetting requirements for identification documents in parts of northern Kenya and changes at the Port of Mombasa as examples.
Duale said he would use the period ahead of the 2027 election to mobilise Somali, pastoralist, and Muslim communities behind a national political agenda. He maintained that Ruto had established a strong base in pastoralist- and Muslim-dominated counties and claimed the President had a substantial national electoral advantage. Duale also stated that he would not seek an elective position and would focus on Ruto's re-election campaign.
The controversy surrounding the 2022 presidential election has sparked debate among Kenyans. Duale's comments have added fuel to the fire, with many questioning the motives behind Uhuru's claims. As the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, the political landscape is likely to remain volatile.
Key points
- Duale accuses Uhuru of attempting to rewrite history.
- Duale declares support for President Ruto ahead of 2027 election.
- Duale credits Ruto administration with addressing discrimination against pastoralist and Muslim communities.
