Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has renewed claims that the late Raila Odinga was denied the presidency through electoral rigging in the 2022 General Election, saying his political allies will not allow his legacy to be rewritten.
Kalonzo made the claim on Sunday during a tour of Nyanza, where he was accompanied by DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Attorney General Justin Muturi and former Jubilee secretary-general Raphael Tuju.
“They rigged Baba out, not Kenyans,” Kalonzo said.
He said the opposition had returned to Raila’s political backyard to defend the democratic ideals he championed throughout his career and to push for unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Let it be said clearly: the Ruto regime's attempt to reduce Baba's legacy to a ‘Project’ is an insult to a man who was denied the presidency not by voters, but by electoral rigging,” Kalonzo said.
“Those who truly walked with him are known by who stood by him when it mattered.”
The 2022 election was won by William Ruto, according to the results declared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. Ruto received 7,176,141 votes against Raila’s 6,942,930. Raila challenged the result at the Supreme Court, alleging irregularities in the election process, but the seven-judge bench unanimously dismissed his petition and upheld Ruto’s election.
Kalonzo’s latest remarks reopen the political dispute over that election as opposition leaders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 contest.
He said Raila’s death had not brought an end to the political ideals associated with him.
“Raila may be gone, but the spirit of liberation, his commitment to the rule of law and justice in our country will live on. Raila hajakwisha!” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo also warned against politicians using Raila’s name and legacy for political purposes.
“Siwezi kubali watu waliibia Raila kura wakuje hapa waanze kudance on his grave na kujenga mausoleum kubwa wakisherehekea mambo ya Raila imekwisha,” he said.
“Raila hajakwisha.”
The Wiper leader also defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has recently clashed with Ruto over the 2022 election and the President’s continued criticism of his predecessor.
“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta was not on the 2022 ballot nor will he be on it on August 10, 2027,” Kalonzo said.
“Uhuru served Kenya for two terms as Head of State. Respect for that service does not end because of his political choice not to associate with you Zakayo.”
Kalonzo then turned to the next election, warning the IEBC that the opposition would closely scrutinise the electoral process.
“As we approach 2027, IEBC carries a heavy constitutional duty to protect our electoral process, enforce citizenship and registration laws, and resist any scheme to smuggle foreign participation into our elections,” he said.
“We will be watching closely. The sovereign will of Kenyans must never again be stolen.”
Kalonzo ended his message with a call for the opposition to unite behind the political cause he associates with Raila.
“Komboa Kenya. WANTAM,” he said.
