National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has stepped up his criticism of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta over his recent claim that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election.
Speaking during a Sunday church service at Hewani Gospel PEFA Church in Garsen Constituency, Tana River County on Sunday , Wetang’ula questioned why Kenyatta handed over power to President William Ruto if he believed the 2022 election had been rigged.
Last week, while handing over the leadership of the Jubilee Party to his deputy Dr Fred Matiang’i, Kenyatta said he remained convinced that the former prime minister Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared President Ruto the winner while the Supreme Court upheld the result.
“You, Uhuru Kenyatta, have suddenly changed tune. You are now saying William Ruto never won but rigged himself into office. We were in government with all the instruments of power. Is it really fair to continue saying what you are saying about William Ruto?” Wetang’ula asked.
He warned that continued disputes over the 2022 election could reopen political divisions and create tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Do you want the people of Kenya to start quarrelling and squabbling over past elections? For avoidance of doubt, let me tell you, Uhuru Kenyatta, we Kenyans gave you a chance to be our President for 10 years. We respect you as a retired President. Kindly respect yourself, respect the Constitution and respect our country so that we can move forward,” he said.
Wetang’ula also questioned Kenyatta’s decision to hand over power to President Ruto during the inauguration ceremony at Kasarani Stadium.
“The same IEBC that declared you the winner in two elections is the same IEBC that declared William Ruto the winner of the 2022 presidential election. If you knew he never won, why did you stand at Kasarani and hand him the reins of power to lead the country?” he posed.
He described Kenyatta’s remarks as unhelpful and warned against statements that could destabilise the country.
“This anger being demonstrated by Uhuru Kenyatta is very unhelpful and unnecessary. The same person you supported as President in 2022 came to Kenya Kwanza and we developed the broad-based government because we recognised that Kenya is bigger than all of us,” Wetang’ula said.
“We agreed and sat together. Why are you wailing louder than the bereaved?” he added.
The Speaker urged Kenyatta to respect the Constitution and called for dialogue among political leaders.
“As a leader, come, let us talk and forge ahead for a better Kenya,” he said.
Wetang’ula said political differences should not be allowed to divide communities or undermine peace as the country approaches another election.
He also pledged to push for faster issuance of title deeds to squatters in Tana River saying secure land ownership was critical to improving residents’ livelihoods.
On development, Wetang’ula cited the revival of irrigation schemes, the Galana-Kulalu project and the proposed Mombasa-Narok-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway as projects he said would boost economic activity, transport and trade.
He urged Coast residents to support Ruto for a second term, saying continuity was necessary to complete ongoing development projects.
Garsen MP Guyo Ali Wario praised Wetang’ula’s leadership of the National Assembly describing him as a unifying figure.
Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana said the region would not support leaders on the basis of tribe.
He also waded into local politics, saying the county needed a governor with a strong understanding of financial management.
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe said Kenya had made progress under President Ruto and claimed residents in different parts of the country had expressed satisfaction with the distribution of national resources.
“As leaders, we have visited different parts of the country and listened to the people. They have expressed satisfaction with the President’s leadership and said they feel there is a more equal distribution of resources,” Hon. Mugabe said.
Also present were Galole MP Hiribae Said Buya and Garsen North MCA Dumba Semi among other leaders.
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