Omondi Oginga, the younger brother of late Raila Odinga, has publicly criticized former President Uhuru Kenyatta for his recent remarks about the 2022 presidential election. Uhuru had suggested that Raila won the election but was rigged out of the result. Omondi made the remarks in Bondo, Siaya County, where construction of Raila's mausoleum is currently underway. He urged Uhuru to refrain from revisiting the election results, stating that it is a "bygone" issue.
Uhuru Kenyatta's remarks were made at the Jubilee Party headquarters in Nairobi on September 22. He implied that Raila had actually won the 2022 presidential vote but was denied the result. Uhuru also defended his record as a sitting president, pushing back against critics who argued he had not done enough to support Raila's electoral bid. Raila lost the 2022 presidential election to President William Ruto by a narrow margin, garnering 6.9 million votes against Ruto's 7.1 million.
Omondi Oginga's rebuke of Uhuru Kenyatta was direct and clear. He stated that the family and Raila's supporters had no interest in relitigating the 2022 election. Omondi emphasized that Uhuru had been in power and had the authority to act, but did not use it effectively. As a result, there is no need for him to revisit the issue now. Omondi's statement signals growing frustration within the Odinga family over what they perceive as politically motivated remarks.
The 2022 presidential election marked Raila's fifth unsuccessful bid for the presidency. His four earlier defeats came in the 1997, 2007, 2013, and 2017 elections. Raila's supporters and family members are currently focused on honoring his memory with quiet dignity, rather than engaging in ongoing controversy. Omondi appealed for peace and respect, stating that Raila is now resting and should be left alone.
Construction of Raila's mausoleum at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo is currently underway. The family is preparing a permanent resting place for the veteran opposition leader and statesman. Omondi's remarks reflect the family's desire to move forward and avoid further controversy. The Odinga family is seeking to honor Raila's legacy without being drawn into political debates.
Uhuru Kenyatta's comments have sparked a reaction from the Odinga family and supporters. The former president's remarks were seen as an attempt to revisit a contentious issue. The Odinga family is keen to emphasize that the 2022 election is a closed chapter and that they will not engage in further debate about the outcome.
The controversy surrounding Uhuru Kenyatta's remarks highlights the ongoing tensions within Kenyan politics. The debate over the 2022 election outcome continues to resonate, with different stakeholders offering varying interpretations of the events. As the country moves forward, the Odinga family is focused on honoring Raila's memory and avoiding further controversy.
Key points
- Omondi Oginga rebukes Uhuru Kenyatta for suggesting Raila won 2022 election but was rigged out
- Uhuru Kenyatta defends his record as a sitting president, claiming he did not interfere with the election outcome
- The Odinga family seeks to honor Raila's memory with quiet dignity, avoiding further controversy and debate about the 2022 election.
