Kalonzo reopens election debate, claims Raila won 2013, 2017 and 2022 polls

Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has reopened debate over past presidential elections, claiming that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was denied victory in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 presidential contests.

Speaking in Kitui County, Kalonzo defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent claim that Odinga was rigged out in the 2022 election and challenged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to assure Kenyans of a free and fair election in 2027.

Kalonzo, who was Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2013 and 2017 presidential contests, now says the alleged electoral irregularities were not limited to 2022, claiming Odinga was also denied victory in the two previous elections.

"Uhuru was in the position to know, but because he was not the chair of IEBC, angemtangaza Raila mshindi. Raila aliibiwa. Mimi naamini 2013 tulishinda, alafu tena hatukushinda. 2017 tukarudi pale tena, tukashinda, tena hatukushinda,” said Kalonzo.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, whose recent remarks reignited the debate, was the declared winner of the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections, both of which Kalonzo now claims were won by the Raila-led side.

Kalonzo turned his attention to the next presidential contest, calling on the electoral body to ensure the 2027 election is free, fair and credible.

"In 2027 haitakuwa hivyo tena. IEBC must ensure there is no rigging in 2027,” he added.

The remarks have reignited political debate, drawing sharp reactions, including from within Raila Odinga’s family.

The sentiments by the Wiper leader came hours after Omondi Oginga, the late former ODM leader’s younger brother, hit out at Kenyatta for reopening the debate just days after the anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death.

"The former President (Uhuru) should not play cat-and-mouse game with us. We are not happy with whatever happened and there's no need for him to talk about the results that happened four years back,” Oginga said.

Omondi blamed Kenyatta for what he described as mishandling of the election, saying he ought to have protected what the family considers to have been Raila’s victory.

"He was in power, he had all the authority and he didn't use it well. So there's no need for him to respond about last election. Raila is gone; we're not happy as a family. Let him give us a break,” Oginga added.

The debate has also continued to draw mixed reactions across the country, with leaders divided over Kenyatta’s rigging claims and Kalonzo’s fresh allegations.