Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has reignited the debate over past presidential elections, claiming that Raila Odinga was denied victory in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 presidential contests. Speaking in Kitui County, Kalonzo defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent claim that Odinga was rigged out in the 2022 election. Kalonzo, who was Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2013 and 2017 presidential contests, now says the alleged electoral irregularities were not limited to 2022.
Kalonzo Musyoka stated that he believes Raila Odinga won the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections, but was denied victory. "Uhuru was in the position to know, but because he was not the chair of IEBC, angemtangaza Raila mshindi. Raila aliibiwa. Mimi naamini 2013 tulishinda, alafu tena hatukushinda. 2017 tukarudi pale tena, tukashinda, tena hatukushinda,” said Kalonzo. Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta was the declared winner of the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections.
Kalonzo turned his attention to the next presidential contest, calling on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure the 2027 election is free, fair and credible. "In 2027 haitakuwa hivyo tena. IEBC must ensure there is no rigging in 2027,” he added. The remarks have reignited political debate, drawing sharp reactions, including from within Raila Odinga’s family.
Omondi Oginga, Raila Odinga’s younger brother, hit out at Kenyatta for reopening the debate just days after the anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death. "The former President (Uhuru) should not play cat-and-mouse game with us. We are not happy with whatever happened and there's no need for him to talk about the results that happened four years back,” Oginga said.
Omondi Oginga blamed Kenyatta for what he described as mishandling of the election, saying he ought to have protected what the family considers to have been Raila’s victory. "He was in power, he had all the authority and he didn't use it well. So there's no need for him to respond about last election. Raila is gone; we're not happy as a family. Let him give us a break,” Oginga added.
The debate has drawn mixed reactions across the country, with leaders divided over Kenyatta’s rigging claims and Kalonzo’s fresh allegations. The issue has sparked a heated discussion, with many Kenyans weighing in on the claims of electoral irregularities.
President Ruto is set to address the UN General Assembly today, while other leaders continue to react to Kalonzo’s claims. The country remains divided on the issue, with some supporting Kalonzo’s claims and others dismissing them.
Key points
- Kalonzo Musyoka claims Raila Odinga won the 2013, 2017 and 2022 presidential elections but was denied victory due to alleged electoral irregularities.
