National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has challenged former President Uhuru Kenyatta to explain his acceptance of William Ruto's victory in 2022 after claiming years later that Raila Odinga was the rightful winner of the presidential election. Wetang'ula's comments come after Uhuru's recent remarks raised questions about his conduct after the election. Uhuru oversaw a peaceful transfer of power to Ruto after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission declared the UDA leader president-elect.
Wetang'ula accused Uhuru of failing to respect Ruto's mandate and questioned his continued political activity after leaving State House. He expressed concerns about Uhuru's actions, saying, "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? What kind of person are you?" Wetang'ula made these comments in Matungu, Kakamega County, where he attended a women empowerment programme alongside other leaders supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The Speaker also criticized Uhuru for what he described as political interference after retirement. Wetang'ula urged Uhuru to respect President Ruto and allow him to discharge his mandate. He questioned why Uhuru wanted Ruto to serve only one term, given that Uhuru had been propelled to two terms during his tenure. Wetang'ula emphasized that Uhuru should not engage in politics that backstab his successor.
Wetang'ula turned his criticism to Uhuru's role during the 2022 campaign, asking why he did not openly campaign for Raila across Mt Kenya if he was convinced that the former Prime Minister should succeed him. He urged Uhuru to address his shortcomings that denied Raila the presidency and keep off President Ruto. Other leaders, including Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, joined in defending the administration and expressing support for Ruto's re-election.
Governor Barasa declared his support for Ruto's re-election and urged the President to support Wetang'ula's presidential bid in 2032. The leaders used the Kakamega meeting to highlight projects they attributed to the national government, including infrastructure development and economic empowerment initiatives. They cited examples of completed projects, such as Level 6 hospitals in Kakamega and Bungoma.
The leaders also welcomed a recent High Court ruling affirming IEBC's mandate to tally and verify presidential results at the national level. Wetang'ula expressed concerns that the latest debate could affect confidence in IEBC, whose declaration gave Ruto the 2022 victory. The leaders emphasized the importance of respecting the electoral process and the institutions that support it.
The criticism from Ruto's allies comes amid ongoing debates about the 2022 election and the legitimacy of Ruto's presidency. The issue has sparked discussions about the role of former presidents in Kenyan politics and the need for them to respect the electoral process. Key stakeholders are watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and its potential impact on Kenyan politics.
Key points
- National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has challenged former President Uhuru Kenyatta to explain his acceptance of William Ruto's victory in 2022.
- Wetang'ula accused Uhuru of failing to respect Ruto's mandate and questioned his continued political activity after leaving State House.
- The leaders welcomed a recent High Court ruling affirming IEBC's mandate to tally and verify presidential results at the national level.
