National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has intensified his criticism of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta over his claim that the late Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election, questioning why Kenyatta handed over power to President William Ruto if he believed the result was disputed.

Speaking during a church service at Hewani Gospel PEFA Church in Garsen, Tana River County, on Sunday, Wetang’ula said Kenyatta’s remarks risked reviving political divisions as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election.

Wetang’ula was in Tana River on Sunday, September 27, where he also spoke about plans to fast-track title deeds for squatters.

Kenyatta said on September 22, while handing over Jubilee Party leadership to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, that he remained convinced Odinga had won the 2022 presidential contest.

“You, Uhuru Kenyatta, have suddenly changed tune. You are now saying William Ruto never won but rigged himself into office,” Wetang’ula said.

He questioned why Kenyatta presided over the transfer of power to Ruto at Kasarani Stadium if he believed the election outcome was wrong.

“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.

Ruto was declared winner of the August 2022 presidential election by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The Supreme Court later dismissed petitions challenging his victory in a judgment delivered on September 5, 2022.

Wetang’ula urged Kenyatta and other political leaders to avoid reopening disputes from the previous election, saying political differences should not undermine national cohesion.

“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.

He added: “As a leader, come, let us talk and forge ahead for a better Kenya.”

Wetang’ula also urged Coast residents to support Ruto for a second term, arguing that continuity would allow ongoing government projects to be completed.

Follow our social media pages for breaking news updates, in-depth stories and videos.

news@nairobilens.ke