Wetangula fires back at Uhuru over 2022 poll remarks: ‘Why is he wailing more than the bereaved?’

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has criticised retired President Uhuru Kenyatta for recent remarks questioning the outcome of the 2022 General Election, accusing him of reviving political divisions and ethnic tensions ahead of the 2027 polls.

Speaking in Eldama Ravine Constituency at an all-women empowerment programme hosted by area Member of Parliament Musa Sirma, Wetangula defended President William Ruto’s record and urged Kenyans to focus on national unity and development.

Wetangula said the Kenya Kwanza administration had delivered visible projects nationwide, despite criticism from parts of the political class.

“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 cited the employment of teachers and the expansion of road infrastructure as some of the administration’s achievements, urging Kenyans not to return to ethnic divisions.

“We have had an unprecedented number of teachers employed over the past four years. Roads have been tarmacked uniformly across the country. We should not make the mistake of sliding back,” he said.

Wetangula accused some political leaders of profiling communities and warned against attempts to mobilise political support along ethnic lines.

“We cannot afford to have leaders whose main aim is to spread tribalism,” he said.

The Speaker also took issue with Uhuru’s continued criticism of the Ruto administration, arguing that the former President should respect the office he once held.

“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 questioned Uhuru’s remarks about the 2022 election, noting that the same electoral commission that declared him the winner in 2013 and 2017 oversaw the 2022 polls.

“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.

Wetangula contrasted Uhuru’s post-presidential political interventions with former President Daniel Arap Moi’s approach to retirement, noting that Moi used his later years to advocate 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.

MP Sirma said that Rift Valley had a responsibility to support leaders who advocated for national 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.

He also said politicians seeking to succeed Ruto in 2032 would have to demonstrate their records 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.

President Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, said Kenyans should be free to live and work anywhere in the country, regardless of their political or ethnic 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 politicians to focus on ideas, policies and development plans rather than on political 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 praised the government’s efforts to address insecurity and banditry in the region, noting that residents were enjoying greater peace.

She urged voters to assess leaders on development and stability, while criticising 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.