Senator Ledama Olekina of Narok County publicly rebuked former President Uhuru Kenyatta on September 22, over remarks about the 2022 presidential election. Uhuru claimed that Raila Odinga genuinely won the election, sparking sharp backlash. Ledama challenged Uhuru to explain why he waited four years to speak out, saying some Kenyans nearly lost their lives over the contested results.
Uhuru made the remarks at a Jubilee meeting, stating that Azimio did everything to ensure Raila won the elections. He dismissed claims that he did not offer help to Raila. The 2022 presidential election saw William Ruto defeat Raila, according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The Supreme Court upheld Ruto's victory, and Uhuru accepted the outcome, handing over power to Ruto in September 2022.
Ledama's criticism centered on the timing of Uhuru's revelation, questioning why the former president stayed silent for four years before making such a claim. "Uhuru, you were the president, you were commander-in-chief, you controlled the state, you handed over power," Ledama wrote. "The IEBC declared it, the Supreme Court upheld it, so why are you telling us now that Raila won?"
Ledama reminded Uhuru that the disputed results had real human consequences for ordinary Kenyans, with some nearly paying a personal price with their lives. He argued that Uhuru's timing betrays a political motive rather than a genuine commitment to truth. "If you knew the truth in 2022, you should have said it then, not four years later when it is convenient for your politics," Ledama wrote.
The senator's core argument was that Uhuru, as the sitting Commander-in-Chief at the time, had the power and authority to intervene or speak up in 2022 but chose not to do so. Ledama urged Uhuru not to reopen wounds, saying Kenyans had already moved on. "Don't reopen wounds you helped create," he stated.
The 2022 presidential election was contested at the Supreme Court, which upheld Ruto's victory. Following the polls, Raila formed a broad-based arrangement with Ruto, comprising ODM and UDA Party. Uhuru had publicly backed Raila during the campaign, despite belonging to different political parties.
Ledama's criticism highlights the ongoing debate about the 2022 election and the motives behind Uhuru's recent remarks. The issue remains a sensitive topic in Kenyan politics, with many questioning the implications of Uhuru's claims.
Key points
- Ledama Olekina challenges Uhuru Kenyatta's timing and motives for revealing Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election.
- Uhuru Kenyatta claims Raila Odinga genuinely won the 2022 presidential election, sparking sharp backlash.
- The 2022 presidential election saw William Ruto defeat Raila Odinga, according to the IEBC.
