Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Wiper Democratic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka have reignited contentious debates over Kenya’s electoral history, asserting that Raila Odinga won the 2022, 2017, and 2013 presidential elections. These claims, made in September 2026, have sparked scrutiny over their timing and implications for the opposition’s unity ahead of the 2027 general election. Kenyans are now grappling with whether these statements reflect genuine political reckoning or strategic maneuvering in a deeply fragmented political landscape.
On September 22, 2026, Kenyatta told supporters at Jubilee Party headquarters that he “knew Raila won the 2022 election” and that “we know what happened.” A day later, Musyoka expanded the narrative in Kitui, alleging that the Raila-Kalonzo ticket also triumphed in 2013 and 2017. Both leaders’ assertions, however, lack supporting evidence and raise urgent questions about their motives, particularly given Kenyatta’s position as the sitting president during the 2022 election. Critics argue that if he possessed credible information about electoral irregularities, he had a duty to act during his tenure rather than four years later.
The timing of these claims has drawn particular attention. Kenyatta, who served as president from 2013 to 2022, was in a position of authority during the 2022 election. His failure to challenge the results at the time has led to speculation about his current intentions. Similarly, Musyoka’s abrupt shift from opposing Odinga in 2022 to now endorsing his electoral victories has prompted questions about his political calculus. Musyoka, who left the Azimio coalition in 2022 after Martha Karua was selected as Odinga’s running mate, later rejoined but did not provide critical support during the campaign, a history that complicates his current stance.
The National Liberal Party (NLP), led by Augustus Kyalo Muli, has called for an end to “political shenanigans” and urged the opposition to prioritize unity over past grievances. Muli emphasized that the opposition’s survival in 2027 hinges on presenting a single candidate, stating, “The only chance the opposition has is if they unite and front one candidate, even if it’s Kalonzo Musyoka.” This stance underscores the urgency of consolidating fragmented factions, including the Linda Mwananchi movement and Wiper, ahead of the 2027 contest.
Meanwhile, allegations persist that Kenyatta is backing emerging opposition figures like Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement. While Sifuna has denied receiving financial support from the former president, the claims highlight the murky dynamics within Kenya’s political ecosystem. Jubilee Party’s endorsement of Fred Matiang’i as its 2027 presidential candidate further complicates the landscape, raising questions about Kenyatta’s alignment with either Matiang’i, Musyoka, or other factions.
Odinga’s legacy as a champion of multiparty democracy and constitutional reform remains central to the debate. His death in 2024 has created a pivotal moment for opposition leaders to either dwell on past disputes or build a coalition rooted in his vision. The NLP’s call for “genuine negotiations” among opposition parties reflects a broader demand for transparency and collective action, rather than individual ambitions that risk further division.
The 2002 “Kibaki Tosha” campaign, which united the opposition against President Mwai Kibaki, serves as a historical benchmark. NLP leaders argue that 2027 should mirror this unity, urging Kenyatta to “say: Kalonzo Tosha” if a consensus candidate emerges. This would signal a commitment to honoring Odinga’s legacy through action, not rhetoric, and address the urgent need for a cohesive opposition strategy.
As 2027 approaches, political actors face a critical choice: continue litigating past elections or focus on building a credible alternative to President William Ruto’s administration. The NLP’s position emphasizes that “Kenya does not need another four years of arguments over who should have won yesterday.” Instead, the nation requires leaders willing to make difficult decisions for the future.
Kenyatta’s role in this process remains ambiguous. His statements have been interpreted as either a genuine attempt to rectify past electoral injustices or a calculated move to influence the 2027 race. The opposition’s ability to transcend internal divisions will determine whether these claims lead to meaningful reform or further fragmentation.
The public-interest implications of these developments are profound. A united opposition could challenge Ruto’s dominance and advance Odinga’s vision of inclusive governance. However, without concrete steps toward coalition-building, the 2027 election risks repeating the same cycles of discord that have defined Kenyan politics for decades.
In the end, the path forward hinges on whether leaders like Kenyatta and Musyoka will prioritize national interests over personal or factional gains. As the NLP asserts, “2027 should not be about crying over spilt milk. It should be about learning from the past, correcting past mistakes, and building a united opposition capable of giving Kenyans a credible alternative.”
The article was written by Augustus Kyalo Muli, Party Leader of the National Liberal Party (NLP), and does not reflect the views of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).