Alleged Election Theft Casts Shadow on UDA Administration, Raila Asserts

Raila Odinga, the Opposition Leader, asserted that the difficulties facing the Kenya Kwanza government are a result of what he claimed was the “theft” of his victory in the 2022 elections.

Speaking at a new member registration event for his ODM party on December 1, 2023, in Kakamega County, Odinga maintained that he was the rightful winner of the presidency against the current President William Ruto.

The final decision on the presidential election was made by the Supreme Court, which ruled that Dr. Ruto was legitimately elected with 7.1 million votes, compared to Odinga’s 6.9 million, in a unanimous decision by all judges last year.

However, the Azimio la Umoja coalition, which Odinga used to contest the presidency with running mate Martha Karua, maintains to this day that they were denied victory (once again).

During the event in Lurambi, Odinga reiterated his claim before the crowd:

“Now, you know they stole our votes. Did they steal?”

Crowd: “Yes, Baba.”

Raila: “Even if they stole, it’s stuck in their throats. It refuses to go down. They are chewing, but it won’t go down. They are doing… hehe… hehee… hehee.”

Crowd: [Laughter]

Raila: “It’s choking them. Isn’t it choking them?”

Crowd: “Yes, Baba.”

He continued with his speech, explaining why he started the early registration of party members, stating that this is the right time when citizens have cooled off from the election tensions. He argued that it is better to begin the registration process now, as there is a risk of wealthy individuals pouring large sums of money at the last minute to manipulate the voters.

At the same event, the Azimio leader, who has unsuccessfully run for president five times, remained silent when ODM leaders urged him to declare his candidacy for 2027.

The Kakamega County leaders of the party declared Odinga as their choice in the next presidential race, stating that he is the one who can rectify the mistakes of President William Ruto’s administration.

They criticized the current government for allegedly undermining the economy through what they referred to as the plundering of public assets. Led by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, leaders including Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and MPs Tindi Mwale called on Odinga not to hand over the task of removing President Ruto from power to anyone else.

They cited rising prices of essential goods, demolitions of private buildings, and rampant corruption as shortcomings of President Ruto’s rule.