Top leaders of the Kenya Kwanza government have criticized retired President Uhuru Kenyatta over his recent claim that Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election. They questioned the timing of his remarks, which come as the country prepares for the next general election. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula led the criticism, accusing Uhuru of seeking to undermine President William Ruto's administration.
The leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Senator Vincent Kiprono, and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, expressed their support for President Ruto's reelection bid. They cited various government projects in Western Kenya, such as the construction of level 6 hospitals, expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway, and tarmacking of roads, as evidence of the administration's development record.
Wetang'ula challenged Uhuru to explain why he did not do more to secure votes for Raila in his Mt Kenya political backyard during the 2022 campaign. He also criticized Uhuru for remaining politically active after leaving office, saying he should respect the high office he occupied for 10 years.
The leaders welcomed a recent High Court decision upholding the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's (IEBC) mandate to tally and verify presidential election results at the national level. They said the ruling should help settle questions surrounding the IEBC's role in the management of presidential election results.
Uhuru's remarks have sparked debate, with some questioning his motives and timing. The former president handed over power to President Ruto peacefully, despite allegedly believing that Raila had won the election. Wetang'ula asked, "You peacefully handed over the instruments of power to the President. Why did you hand over power to him if you believe he did not win the election?"
The Kenya Kwanza leaders have declared their support for President Ruto's administration and its development agenda. They said efforts to undermine the government would not succeed and vowed to rally support for Ruto's reelection bid. Barasa also expressed support for Wetang'ula's presidential ambitions in 2032.
The leaders highlighted various projects in Western Kenya, including the construction of modern markets and stadiums, payment of outstanding dues to sugarcane farmers and former Pan Paper Mills workers, and establishment of 25 modern markets. They said these projects demonstrate the government's commitment to the region and would form part of their campaign to mobilize support for Ruto.
Key points
- Uhuru Kenyatta's claim that Raila Odinga won the 2022 election has sparked criticism from Kenya Kwanza leaders.
- The leaders question the timing of Uhuru's remarks, which come as the country prepares for the next general election.
- The Kenya Kwanza leaders have declared their support for President Ruto's administration and its development agenda.
