National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has warned that former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent remarks questioning the 2022 election result could reignite political tensions as Kenya approaches the 2027 general election. Wetang’ula made these comments during a Sunday service at Hewani Gospel PEFA Church in Garsen, Tana River County. He publicly challenged Kenyatta’s claim that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election.
Wetang’ula questioned why Kenyatta handed power to President William Ruto in 2022 if he believed the election was rigged. He pointed to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) declaration of Ruto’s victory and the Supreme Court’s upholding of that result. Wetang’ula described Kenyatta’s recent statements as “unhelpful and unnecessary,” warning that continued disputes could reopen divisions and fuel tension ahead of the 2027 polls.
Kenyatta’s comments emerged last week while transferring Jubilee Party leadership to Dr. Fred Matiang’i. During the event, he reiterated his belief that Odinga was the rightful winner of the 2022 contest. The 2022 election was officially declared in favour of William Ruto by the IEBC, a result later affirmed by Kenya’s Supreme Court.
Wetang’ula cautioned that persistent challenges to the 2022 outcome could destabilise communities and undermine peace as the country prepares for the next general election. He urged Kenyatta to respect the Constitution and engage in dialogue with political leaders to avoid “quarrelling and squabbling over past elections.”
Beyond the election debate, Wetang’ula pledged to accelerate issuance of title deeds to squatters in Tana River. He also highlighted ongoing development projects, such as irrigation schemes, the Galana-Kulalu initiative, and the proposed Mombasa-Narok-Kisumu-Malaba standard gauge railway.
Wetang’ula called on coastal residents to support President Ruto’s re-election, arguing continuity is essential to complete these projects. This appeal is part of a broader effort to ensure the successful implementation of development initiatives across the region.
The controversy surrounding Kenyatta’s comments and Wetang’ula’s response underscores the complex and often contentious nature of Kenya’s electoral politics. As the country looks ahead to the 2027 general election, leaders are being urged to prioritize stability and dialogue.
Key points
- National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula criticizes former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s claims that Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election.
- Wetang’ula warns that Kenyatta’s comments could reignite political tensions ahead of the 2027 general election.
- The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges to Kenya’s electoral process and the need for stability and dialogue.
