Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has made claims that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga won two presidential elections during Kenya's multiparty era, despite never occupying the State House. In a detailed assessment shared on social media, Kuria evaluated every presidential race held between 1992 and 2022, citing his long-standing personal involvement in the country's electoral history. Kuria stated that he has been involved in all Presidential Elections in the multiparty era.
Kuria analyzed the early multiparty contests of 1992 and 1997, arguing that then-President Daniel arap Moi retained power primarily due to deep divisions within the opposition ranks, alongside administrative manipulation. He wrote that Moi manipulated but won in both 1992 and 1997 because the opposition was divided. Historical records align with the view that opposition fragmentation played a major role in securing victory for KANU in both elections.
Kuria praised the December 2002 election, which ended KANU's four-decade hold on power, as a clean break. He stated that Mwai Kibaki won "free and fair" after opposition parties united under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC). This election marked a significant shift in Kenya's politics, with Kibaki's victory seen as a result of a united opposition.
Addressing the 2017 presidential poll, Kuria maintained that Uhuru Kenyatta legitimately won the vote, dismissing the historic Supreme Court ruling led by Chief Justice David Maraga that annulled the initial election. Kuria claimed that Uhuru Kenyatta won in 2017, and that Maraga's ruling was on technicalities. This stance is contrary to that of many Kenyans who saw the Supreme Court's decision as a crucial check on the electoral process.
Regarding the 2022 General Election, Kuria affirmed President William Ruto's victory, stating simply that William Ruto won. His comments follow a recent controversy surrounding the 2022 presidential election, with some leaders questioning the outcome. Kuria concluded his post with a familiar Swahili sign-off, "Ni hayo tu kwa sasa" (That is all for now).
Kuria's statements follow comments made earlier by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta during a Jubilee Party National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Nairobi. Kenyatta claimed that Raila Odinga actually won the 2022 presidential contest over Ruto. Kenyatta stated that they did everything to help Raila become President, and that he knows Raila won the election.
The claims by Kuria and Kenyatta have sparked a renewed debate about Kenya's electoral history and the legitimacy of past presidential elections. While some have praised Kuria for sharing his insights, others have questioned the basis of his claims, particularly given the controversies surrounding some of the elections in question.
Key points
- Moses Kuria claims Raila Odinga won the 2007 and 2013 presidential elections.
- Kuria also weighed in on other presidential elections, from 1992 to 2022.
- His comments have sparked a renewed debate about Kenya's electoral history.
