Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has stirred the political waters with his assertion that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was the rightful winner of the 2022 presidential election. Speaking at a Jubilee Party function on Tuesday, September 22, Uhuru suggested that the election results were manipulated to favor President William Ruto. This bold claim comes despite the Supreme Court's decision to uphold Ruto's victory in the highly contested election. Uhuru, who served as Kenya's president from 2013 to 2022, stated, “Mimi hadi wa leo najua Raila ndiye alishinda uchaguzi wa 2022,” expressing his unwavering belief that Odinga was the true victor. He emphasized his commitment to speaking his truth, regardless of the Supreme Court's ruling.
The former president also addressed allegations that he did not adequately support Odinga's presidential bid. He questioned the circumstances surrounding the election results, hinting at irregularities that he believes affected the outcome. Despite his claims, Uhuru reiterated that his administration had peacefully handed over power following the Supreme Court's decision and stressed that he had no desire to engage in political conflicts with his critics. He called for mutual respect among political leaders and urged them to focus on ending corruption and improving service delivery to Kenyans.
In a significant development for the Jubilee Party, Uhuru announced his intention to step down as the party leader. He encouraged party members to embrace younger leaders as the party gears up for its next political phase. Uhuru endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as his successor, pending a formal National Delegates Convention. Matiang’i expressed gratitude for Uhuru's leadership and vowed to maintain a united Jubilee Party while working with other like-minded political actors.
The 2022 presidential election, which saw William Ruto declared the winner, was marked by intense competition and a subsequent legal challenge. The Supreme Court dismissed a petition contesting the results on September 5, 2022, affirming Ruto's victory. Uhuru's recent remarks reflect his personal conviction regarding the election outcome, rather than any official alteration to the court's determination. His statements have reignited discussions about the integrity of the electoral process and the role of the judiciary in upholding democratic principles in Kenya.
