The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has issued a strong response to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta following his recent remarks suggesting that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was the rightful winner of the 2022 presidential election. In a statement dated September 22, 2026, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan criticised the former president, accusing him of refusing to accept the legitimacy of President William Ruto's victory. Hassan asserted that Uhuru Kenyatta is still grappling with the outcome of the 2022 election, which saw President Ruto emerge as the winner.
Hassan Omar Hassan dismissed Uhuru's claims, maintaining that President Ruto won the election decisively and is poised to secure another victory in the upcoming 2027 General Election. The UDA Secretary General accused the retired president of engaging in what he described as unconstitutional efforts to undermine the democratic will of Kenyans before, during, and after the 2022 election. He alleged that there were disappearances of individuals reportedly affiliated with UDA, and that there were threats directed at the then-Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati. Hassan also pointed to what he termed as the collapse of the election results announcement process on August 15, 2022, as evidence of attempts to subvert the electoral process.
In his statement, Hassan credited President Ruto with playing a pivotal role in Uhuru Kenyatta's victories in the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections. He argued that Ruto's position as Uhuru's running mate was instrumental in securing those wins. Hassan accused the former president of abandoning his former deputy during his second term in office, suggesting that Uhuru's current stance is influenced by the loss of power in 2022.
The UDA's response comes amid renewed political debate over the 2022 presidential election and the political dynamics leading up to the 2027 General Election. The statement by Hassan reflects the ongoing tensions between the current administration and the opposition, as well as the lingering effects of the 2022 election on Kenya's political landscape. As the country looks towards the next electoral cycle, the UDA's firm stance underscores the party's commitment to defending its electoral victories and preparing for future political contests.
