Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has claimed that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election, sparking renewed debate over the closely contested polls. Speaking on September 22, Uhuru stated that his administration and political allies had done everything possible to support Raila's presidential bid and maintained that the votes cast were sufficient to make him the rightful winner. Uhuru's comments have reignited debate over the 2022 presidential election.
According to Uhuru, his administration and political allies had done everything possible to support Raila's presidential bid. He stated that the votes cast were sufficient, in his view, to make Raila the rightful winner. Uhuru added that he knows Raila won the election, saying, "We did everything we could to help Raila Odinga become President of Kenya, and he was given the votes. Even today, I know that Baba won that election."
Official results from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) showed that William Ruto won the election with 7,176,141 votes, representing 50.49% of the total votes cast. Raila Odinga garnered 6,942,930 votes, representing 48.85%. The Supreme Court subsequently unanimously upheld the presidential election results after petitions challenging Ruto's victory. The court's decision was a significant development in Kenya's electoral process.
Uhuru and Raila became political allies following their 2018 Handshake, which ended years of rivalry. They later worked together on the Building Bridges Initiative before Uhuru backed Raila in the 2022 presidential race. Their alliance was seen as a significant development in Kenyan politics, with many expecting them to work together to address the country's challenges.
The remarks come shortly after President William Ruto intensified his criticism of Uhuru, accusing the retired president of sponsoring opposition leaders and political activities aimed at undermining his administration ahead of the 2027 General Election. Ruto claimed Uhuru was using other politicians to challenge his government and questioned whether the former president could now defeat him after failing to do so while in office.
During his Nyanza tour last week, Ruto criticized Uhuru, saying the former president was trying to undermine his administration. Ruto's comments were seen as a significant escalation of the tensions between the two leaders. The Kenyan political landscape is increasingly heating up as the 2027 General Election approaches.
The claims by Uhuru Kenyatta are likely to spark further debate and controversy in Kenyan politics. Key stakeholders, including politicians and civil society organizations, are expected to react to Uhuru's comments in the coming days. The issue may also be discussed in the context of the upcoming 2027 General Election, with many Kenyans eagerly awaiting the next polls.
Key points
- Former President Uhuru Kenyatta claims Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election.
- Uhuru's comments have reignited debate over the closely contested 2022 presidential election.
- President William Ruto has intensified his criticism of Uhuru, accusing him of sponsoring opposition leaders.
