Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has publicly challenged President William Ruto's characterization of the 2022 election outcome. At a Jubilee Party event in Nairobi, Kenyatta argued that Ruto did not defeat him personally in 2022, as it was Raila Odinga who stood as the actual presidential candidate. Kenyatta's remarks came during a ceremony transferring Jubilee's leadership to former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i on September 22.
Kenyatta insisted that it was Raila Odinga, not himself, who stood on the ballot against Ruto in the 2022 election. He questioned Ruto's claims of defeating him, stating, "Who was actually on the ballot? Was it Uhuru Kenyatta or Raila Odinga?" Kenyatta emphasized that he was standing alongside Raila during the election, rendering Ruto's claims of a personal victory inaccurate.
President Ruto has repeatedly pointed to his 2022 win as proof that he overcame not just Raila but the machinery of the incumbent presidency, given Kenyatta's open backing of Raila's candidature at the time. The August 2022 election was closely contested, with Ruto polling roughly 7.1 million votes against Raila's 6.9 million. Kenyatta sought to draw a clear distinction between himself and Raila as the actual contestant.
Kenyatta accused his rivals of insincerity, saying they present one narrative in public while privately celebrating what they describe as a repeat victory over Kenyatta and his allies in future contests. He condemned the use of "cheap politics" and "dirty politics" to divide Kenyans. Kenyatta's comments reflect his ongoing engagement with the political narrative surrounding the 2022 election.
The former president also insisted that Raila Odinga had actually won the 2022 vote, a claim he tied to the broader argument that Jubilee had thrown its full weight behind Odinga's bid. This assertion has sparked debate among politicians and analysts, with some faulting Kenyatta for making unsubstantiated claims.
Kenyatta's address at the Jubilee Party headquarters in Nairobi was an opportunity for him to reassert his influence within the party, as he handed over leadership to Fred Matiang'i. The event marked a significant transition within the party, with Kenyatta seeking to shape its future direction.
The exchange between Kenyatta and Ruto reflects ongoing tensions within Kenyan politics, with both leaders vying for influence and legitimacy. Kenyatta's challenge to Ruto's election narrative has significant implications for the country's political landscape, highlighting the complexities of electoral politics in Kenya.
Key points
- Uhuru Kenyatta challenges William Ruto's claim that he defeated him in the 2022 election.
