National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has intensified his criticism of former President Uhuru Kenyatta over his recent claim that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election.
Speaking at a Sunday service at Hewani Gospel PEFA Church in Garsen Constituency, Wetang’ula questioned why Kenyatta had handed over power to President William Ruto if he believed the election result was wrong.
Last week, while handing over the leadership of the Jubilee Party to his deputy, Dr Fred Matiang’i, Kenyatta said he remained convinced that Odinga had won the election. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission declared Ruto the winner, and 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 arguments over the 2022 election could revive political divisions ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Do you want the people of Kenya to start quarrelling and squabbling over past elections? For the 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 Ruto at 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 asked.
The Speaker described Kenyatta’s remarks as unhelpful and cautioned against statements that could heighten political tensions.
“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.
Wetang’ula 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.
He said political differences should not be allowed to divide communities or undermine peace as the country approaches another election.
Turning to local concerns, the Speaker pledged to press for the faster issuance of title deeds to squatters in Tana River, saying secure land ownership was essential to improving residents’ livelihoods.
He also cited the revival of irrigation schemes, the Galana-Kulalu project and the proposed Mombasa–Narok–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway as initiatives that could strengthen economic activity, transport and trade.
Wetang’ula urged Coast residents to support Ruto for a second term, saying continuity would help 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 solely on the basis of ethnicity. Commenting on local politics, he said the county needed a governor with a strong understanding of financial management.
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe said Kenya had made progress under Ruto. He said residents he had met 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,” Mugabe said.
Galole MP Hiribae Said Buya and Garsen North MCA Dumba Semi were among the other leaders present.