MCA Robert Alai has reignited debate over the 2022 Kenyan elections, claiming that former President Uhuru Kenyatta deliberately undermined Raila Odinga’s bid for the presidency.
According to Alai, only “fools” would believe Uhuru genuinely supported Raila. He described a web of social events, private meetings, and strategic manipulations designed to weaken Raila at critical moments.
Alai’s revelations echo earlier claims by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who also alleged that Uhuru’s endorsement of Raila was a calculated long con.
Robert Alai Details Uhuru’s Alleged Election Sabotage
Robert Alai has painted a vivid picture of how Uhuru Kenyatta allegedly sought to prevent Raila Odinga from assuming power. According to Alai, Uhuru’s public backing of Raila was merely a facade while privately implementing strategies to hinder the opposition’s campaign. Alai suggests that Uhuru leveraged social engagements, including repeated parties and private “uji drinking sessions,” to distract Raila at crucial moments and maintain influence over him.
Alai emphasized that the situation escalated to the eve of the vote announcement when Raila was reportedly hosted at a Karen party, leaving him vulnerable and compromised. He insinuates that these orchestrated distractions were part of a larger plan to destabilize Raila’s political momentum and ensure he could not effectively consolidate power.
Babu Owino’s Earlier Warnings
Alai’s narrative mirrors claims made immediately after the 2022 elections by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. Owino had suggested that Uhuru’s support for Raila was a strategic long con, designed to manipulate political outcomes for personal or ethnic advantage. The similarities between Owino and Alai’s accounts add weight to allegations that behind-the-scenes interference may have influenced the electoral process.
However, Alai also notes the irony in Owino’s current political positioning. Owino is now reportedly part of the group “Kenya-Moja,” allegedly funded by Uhuru to disrupt ODM’s internal cohesion, raising questions about his current stance versus past accusations.
The Kenya-Moja Factor
The Kenya-Moja group is reportedly composed of politically influential figures, including ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Caleb Amisi, Anthony Kibagendi, and UDA politician Gathoni Wamuchomba. Alai claims this group is being used to challenge broad-based arrangements between ODM and President William Ruto’s UDA, with Uhuru allegedly financing activities to create friction within ODM.
By linking past sabotage claims to present political maneuvers, Alai suggests that Uhuru’s influence extends beyond 2022, continuing to shape alliances and rivalries within the Kenyan political landscape. He warns that Kenya-Moja’s interventions could further destabilize ODM’s internal strategies while advancing Uhuru’s perceived interests.
Robert Alai on Ruto’s Role in Preserving Raila
Alai also praised President William Ruto for protecting Raila Odinga during this period. He claims that Ruto ensured Raila received respect and security, even extending military honors after Raila’s passing. According to Alai, these acts were a countermeasure to Uhuru’s alleged schemes, which included attempts to undermine Raila’s health and political stability.
Alai insists that Uhuru’s ostensible support for Raila was never genuine, but rather part of broader plans to consolidate ethnic dominance and influence political outcomes in favor of his preferred successors. This, he contends, included strategic disruption of ID and voter registration efforts in ODM strongholds, weakening the party’s electoral foundation.
Robert Alai’s claims add a provocative layer to the ongoing debates surrounding Kenya’s 2022 elections. By connecting past election strategies with current political dynamics, Alai portrays a narrative in which Uhuru’s maneuvers were calculated to shape both the presidency and the broader political landscape. His statements also highlight the complex interplay between personal ambition, party politics, and ethnic considerations in shaping Kenya’s electoral outcomes.
