Rift Valley lawmakers pressed President Uhuru Kenyatta to address speculation about his 2022 presidential aspirations during a March 2019 fundraiser at AIC Kimoson Church. The calls for transparency emerged amid debates over Kenyatta's political alignment with opposition leader Raila Odinga following their public handshake.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi criticized the president for avoiding direct answers about his plans, stating legislators needed clarity on whether Kenyatta sought to remain in power. "If he wants to stay, he should be honest with Kenyans so we can discuss the way forward," Sudi said. He accused government officials of targeting Deputy President William Ruto through investigations, claiming focus on projects like the Arror and Kimwarer dams distracted from broader corruption concerns.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa warned that public confidence in the administration was declining, while Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago called for impartiality in graft investigations. Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri accused Kenyatta of failing to protect Ruto, asserting that the president's silence had deepened divisions. "You cannot watch your deputy be attacked while remaining silent," Ngunjiri said.
The discussion coincided with growing speculation about the 2022 election, with some lawmakers suggesting Odinga's influence could reshape the political landscape. Sudi reiterated that "those who lead in theft" should be held accountable, though he did not name specific individuals.
