National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has challenged retired President Uhuru Kenyatta over his recent remarks on the outcome of the 2022 General Election, warning that continued focus on the disputed poll could deepen political and ethnic divisions.
Wetangula spoke in Eldama Ravine Constituency during an all-women empowerment programme hosted by area MP Musa Sirma, where he defended President William Ruto’s administration and urged Kenyans to concentrate on development and national cohesion.
The Speaker said the Kenya Kwanza administration had undertaken projects across the country, citing the recruitment of teachers and road construction as some of the government’s achievements.
“We have visible projects that the current regime has delivered. He has been travelling the world in search of opportunities for Kenyans. Tribalism has been our greatest enemy to this country’s growth,” Wetangula said.
He said the country should avoid returning to politics centred on ethnic mobilisation, accusing some leaders of profiling communities in pursuit of political support.
“We cannot afford to have leaders whose main aim is to spread tribalism,” he said.
Wetangula also criticised Uhuru for his continued comments about the Ruto administration, saying the former President should respect the institution of the presidency even after leaving office.
“Uhuru could never have ascended to power were it not for Ruto. He must respect the office of a retired President and the people of Kenya,” Wetangula said.
He further questioned Uhuru’s remarks regarding the 2022 election, pointing to the role of the electoral commission in the former President’s victories in 2013 and 2017.
“The same IEBC that declared Uhuru President in 2013 is the same body that announced him the winner in 2017. He told Raila he had a deep state to help him become President. Why is he wailing more than the bereaved?” Wetangula asked.
The Speaker contrasted Uhuru’s current political interventions with the approach taken by former President Daniel Arap Moi after leaving office, saying Moi devoted his later years to advocating for national unity.
“Retired President Daniel Moi left office a strong man and went out to call for unity. What we are seeing in Uhuru Kenyatta is unfortunate,” he said.
Sirma said the Rift Valley remained an important region in the country’s political landscape and should support leaders promoting cohesion and development.
“Rift Valley has been the focal point of Kenyan politics. We are ready to support those who have continued to call for unity and development,” he said.
The MP also turned his attention to the 2032 succession race, saying politicians seeking to replace Ruto would have to demonstrate their record to voters.
“We know who failed Raila. Those who want to succeed President Ruto in 2032 should be ready to show us their track record. 2022 is in the past. We will deal with them again,” Sirma said.
Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet called for an end to ethnic and political divisions, saying Kenyans should be free to live and work in any part of the country regardless of their background.
“We supported President Uhuru for two terms and even before that. We must end tribalism if indeed we are to receive uniform transformation across the country,” Kibet said.
Senate Majority Leader Aron Cheruiyot urged political leaders to campaign on policies and development plans rather than rhetoric.
“Let leaders sell their ideas, not rhetoric. The Constitution tells us that leaders must have a plan. Populism will not help us,” Cheruiyot said.
Baringo Woman Representative Florence Jematiah also praised efforts to address insecurity and banditry in the region, saying residents had experienced greater peace.
She urged voters to examine the performance of political leaders while questioning the continued debate over the 2022 election.
“We must begin to rethink the kind of leaders we have been voting for. For four years, we have enjoyed peace and calm in the country. The talk of rigged elections is primitive and ill-intended,” Jematiah said.
