Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has claimed that the late former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election, despite President William Ruto being declared the winner by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Speaking on Tuesday, September 22, during the handover of Jubilee Party leadership to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in Nairobi, Uhuru said he had done everything within his power to support Odinga’s presidential bid.
Uhuru maintained that, based on the political numbers at the time, the coalition supporting Odinga had more governors, senators and Members of Parliament than the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“Because we wanted peace to reign and move forward, we did all we could to make sure Baba became the president and he won. Until today, I know that Baba won the presidential seat. We had many MPs, governors and senators more than them; it is only that we don’t want issues,” Uhuru said.
His remarks come amid renewed political debate over the 2022 presidential contest and the alliances that shaped the election.
Uhuru also expressed surprise at claims that he did not support Odinga during the election, dismissing assertions that he had been defeated by the Kenya Kwanza camp.
“I am shocked that some people on that side are saying they defeated me. I was not on the ballot. Where did they defeat me?” he posed.
The former president cautioned Kenyans against being drawn into divisive politics, urging political leaders to avoid rhetoric that could deepen divisions in the country.
Uhuru was speaking as Jubilee formally handed over its party leadership to Matiang’i, who now takes charge of the former ruling party.
He urged Jubilee members and supporters to rally behind Matiang’i as the party begins a new chapter under his leadership.
The former president has continued to remain active in Kenya’s political affairs following his retirement from State House. His continued political engagement comes after a High Court ruling that affirmed his entitlement to retirement benefits while allowing him to participate in political activities.
