Kenyan political dispute over 2022 election legitimacy

Political tensions in Kenya have escalated following remarks by former President Uhuru Kenyatta questioning the legitimacy of the 2022 General Election. Kenyatta suggested that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was the rightful winner.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) issued a formal rebuttal, asserting that President William Ruto won the election “decisively and conclusively.” UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar accused Kenyatta of being unable to accept the results, while MP Mwengi Mutuse warned that attempting to revive old political scores could create divisions between UDA and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula further criticized the former president, challenging him to explain why he peacefully transferred power if he believed the results were illegitimate. Wetang'ula accused Kenyatta of engaging in political interference and warned that such rhetoric could revive ethnic tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.

As the 2027 General Election approaches, President William Ruto has urged leaders to exercise restraint and avoid making “contradictory or incoherent remarks” that could trigger public unrest. The political landscape is further complicated by shifting opposition dynamics. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua predicted that a principal within the United Opposition coalition will depart before 2027, while former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria suggested that opposition unity is unlikely, forecasting a crowded field of candidates including Ruto, Fred Matiang’i, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Edwin Sifuna.