Kenya Kwanza leaders have launched a strong attack on former President Uhuru Kenyatta over his recent remarks that Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election. The leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, described Uhuru's claims as reckless and aimed at undermining national security and stability. They argued that the country needed peace and stability as it moved closer to the next general election.
Wetang'ula, speaking during a women's empowerment program in Kakamega county, claimed that Uhuru's remarks were part of efforts by the opposition to discredit President William Ruto and undermine his administration. He argued that Uhuru's sentiments undermined the credibility of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that declared President Ruto the winner in the 2022 presidential election.
The National Assembly Speaker further questioned Uhuru's actions, asking why he peacefully handed over power to President Ruto if he believed he did not win the election. Wetang'ula also accused Uhuru of owing ODM supporters an explanation for failing to secure victory for Raila despite publicly backing his candidature. He urged Uhuru to respect President Ruto and allow him to discharge his mandate.
Other leaders, including Senate majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Senator Vincent Kiprono, and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, also criticized Uhuru and called on him to respect the office of the President. Cheruiyot claimed that Uhuru had not fully recovered politically from President Ruto's victory despite enjoying the advantages of incumbency during the 2022 election.
Barasa, on his part, stated that efforts to undermine the Kenya Kwanza administration would not succeed, adding that the government remained focused on delivering its development agenda. He also expressed support for President Ruto's re-election bid and urged the Luhya community to rally behind Wetang'ula as its preferred candidate in the 2032 presidential election.
The leaders highlighted several ongoing and completed projects undertaken by the Ruto administration in Western Kenya, including the construction of Level 6 hospitals, expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway, and revival of sugar factories. They said these projects demonstrated the government's commitment to transforming the region and were among the reasons they were mobilizing support for President Ruto's re-election bid.
The criticism of Uhuru's remarks comes as the country prepares for the next general election. The Kenya Kwanza leaders' stance is that Uhuru's claims are aimed at destabilizing the country and undermining the current administration. They have urged Uhuru to focus on his legacy and allow President Ruto to serve his term.
Key points
- Uhuru Kenyatta's claims that Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election have been criticized by Kenya Kwanza leaders as reckless and aimed at undermining national security and stability.
- The leaders have urged Uhuru to respect President Ruto and allow him to discharge his mandate.
- The criticism of Uhuru's remarks comes as the country prepares for the next general election, with the Kenya Kwanza leaders accusing him of trying to destabilize the country.
