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Raila Forms His 2022 Presidential Campaign Engine, Governor Nderitu Murithi To Chair

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has formed his 2022 presidential campaign board that will be chaired by Laikipia Governor Nderitu Muriithi.

Elizabeth Meyo will serve as the board’s chief executive.

Meyo, currently a consultant to the IMF, will be the secretariat’s chief executive officer and brings over three decades of administrative and strategic experience to the position. 

She is the immediate former Commissioner of the Domestic Taxes Department at Kenya Revenue Authority.

Meyo will be the overall CEO of the campaign, implement its strategic and key decisions, head the campaign secretariat, and make all vital decisions.

Murithi who is serving his first term is a former world bank economist and financial markets, expert. 

He is the current finance, planning and economic affairs committee chairperson of the Council of Governors elected in January 2021.  

Upon his election as Governor of Laikipia in 2017, Muriithi embarked on radical reforms of the county public service to make it professional and globally competitive. 

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“Hatupangwingwi!” Senator Malala Breathes Fire In Bungoma, Threatens To Ditch OKA

by Pauline Waswa
written by Pauline Waswa

Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala has threatened to dump the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) should the coalition associate itself with ODM leader Raila Odinga.

The vocal lawmaker told off the former Premier to cease from deceiving other leaders for his own benefits.

Speaking while addressing locals in Bungoma town during the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) people’s tour of the the Western region on Friday November 26, 2021, Malala urged other leaders to refuse the mind games played by Raila.

The first time senator noted that Raila’s political game ends up benefitting him and his people alone.

Malala’s rant comes days after Raila attended the Wiper party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC) at the Kasarani Gymnasium where Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was endorsed as the party’s flag bearer in the coming 2022 general elections.

Malala noted that in 2017, Western Kenya leaders united to support NASA whose flag bearer was Raila, who then went into a political marriage with President Kenyatta through the famous March 2018 handshake without consulting his co-principals.

The lawmaker argued that Raila was given Kshs. 250 billion to build up his supporters, but he instead went ahead to use the money for his own benefit.

“I want Wetangula, Mudavadi and Kalonzo to learn a lesson from Raila after he went into agreement with President Kenyatta he forgot about NASA issues,” he said.

According to Malala, Raila used the alleged funds to build his Kisumu region, neglecting the western region.

He warned that OKA supporters would defect to other alliances should the coalition bring the Orange party on board.

“If you are going to unite independently as One Kenya Alliance (OKA) we are going to support you but if you are going to include ODM then we promise to decamp,” he said.

In presence was the Bungoma senator Moses Masika Wetangula who noted that people should have faith in One Kenya Alliance for it is the one going to form the next government in 2022.

Wetang’ula further noted that OKA will not betray Kenyans but instead bring equity, employment and change
among Kenyans.

Also present during the OKA tour of the Bungoma County was ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, his KANU counterpart Gideon Moi, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka and former Presidential aspirant Cyrus Jirongo.

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Jimmi Wanjigi Threatens To Dump Raila, Withdraw ODM Funding

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma
  • Wanjigi who is hoping to put up a competitive battle against the former Prime Minister for the ODM party presidential flag-bearer position  is demanding that the party follows its constitution in the nomination process to ensure fairness.
  • The billionaire further threatened to withdraw his contribution to the Orange party.
  • Wanjigi has been accused of setting up ODM branches around the country without consulting the national office.

Billionaire businessman-cum politician Jimmi Wanjigi has threatened to ditch Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if his demands will not be met.

Wanjigi who is hoping to put up a competitive battle against the former Prime Minister for the ODM party presidential flag-bearer position  is demanding that the party follows its constitution in the nomination process to ensure fairness, failure to which he would quit ODM.

The billionaire further threatened to withdraw his contribution to the Orange party.

“Why would I stay in a party that does not follow its own laid down rules? I will not. I can assure you that the party will have big problems. You know, we have also invested heavily in this party,” he stated.

Wanjigi’s quest to run for presidency on ODM has been received differently by members of the party. While others have supported his bid, some have deemed the moved as rebellion towards the former Prime Minister.

Wanjigi has been accused of setting up ODM branches around the country without consulting the national office.

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Politics

15 Most Important Counties That Will Determine The Next President

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

As the countdown to 2022 general elections continues, there are 15 vote-rich counties that are possibly the determinants of the winner in the presidential contest between Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

In an analysis done by Nation.Africa, the two most recent presidential elections shows the 15 counties made all the difference between Jubilee Party’s double wins and the opposition’s losses.

It indicates their huge bearing on the August polls if past voting patterns are repeated.

In 2013, Uhuru Kenyatta beat his opponent Mr. Odinga by a thin margin of 800,000 votes, and only 8000 ballots separated them from going into a run-off based on the electoral rules that require a winning presidential candidate to secure above 50 percent of total votes cast.

While in 2017, President Kenyatta garnered more votes and the margin between him and Raila Odinga widened by 1.5 million votes. This change was immensely contributed by the 15 counties which all gave Jubilee Party 1.1 million votes.

In seven of these counties; Murang’a, Nyandarua, Marsabit, Kisii, Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Nyamira- Raila’s votes reduced by over 80,000 in 2017 compared to 2013. While Mr. Kenyatta’s votes gained almost 500,000 extra votes in the seven counties in 2017.

This has made Mr. Odinga to work hard in campaigning in these counties to woo Jubilee voters.

The other counties that assisted Uhuru Kenyatta to lead were Kiambu, Nakuru, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Embu Turkana, Uasin Gishu and Laikipia.

The current political rivals, Raila Odinga and DP Ruto have camped in these counties lately as campaigns gather momentum, showing an analytical approach to the rivals’ vote-hunting strategies.

Although the Supreme Court nullified 2017 results, the figures are the only reliable numbers to compare voting patterns with 2013.

Importantly, these 15 counties account for a third of the recently projected new voters that IEBC targets to register by next year’s General Election.

The counties are home to approximately 2.8 million of the potential 9.2 million new voters that the electoral body aims to register.

What this means is that the presidential aspirants must work hard to get the high voter turn out in these regions.

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Politics

Raila Forced To Cut Short His Speech In Isiolo As Residents Demand This

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

ODM leader Raila Odinga was on Saturday October 16, 2021 forced to cut short his speech while on his tour of Isiolo County.

Raila was in the North Eastern region to sell his Azimio la Umoja agenda, which is aimed at uniting the country ahead of the 2022 General elections.

Suna East MP Junet Mohammed was forced to intervene after residents of Isiolo continuously heckled when the former Prime Minister was addressing them.

The residents were demanding to be addressed by their former governor Godana Doyo.

They were not happy with their current governor Mohammed Kuti and demanded to be addressed by their former governor who was also present among other leaders.

“Kuti must go! Kuti must go! and “Doyo Doyo Doyo!” rented the air.

Raila is in one of his campaign trail in the parts of Isiolo to campaign for his 2022 presidential bid.

On Friday, Raila stormed Deputy President William Ruto’s home turf, bringing Eldoret town to a Standstill.

He was welcomed by a momoth crowd, unlike the expectations of many people.

DP Ruto on the other hand has pitched camp in the coastal region, trying to woo voters ahead of the next year’s succession politics.

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Tanga Tanga In Panic As Raila Brings Eldoret Town To A Standstill (PHOTOS)

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

ODM leader Raila Odinga on Friday October 15, 2021 brought Eldoret town to a standstill as a mammoth crowd came to welcome him.

The former premier is currently on a tour of the Rift Valley region that has been perceived to be Deputy President William Ruto’s backyard.

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Raila started his tour with an engagement with leaders drawn from counties of the North and South Rift.

Hosted by Elgeyo Marakwet Alex Tolgos and other notable leaders, the 2022 presidential candidate sought to woo residents and leaders of the region that massively voted for him in 2007.

Raila sought to distance himself from the accusations that he abandoned the region after he entered the grand coalition government with the retired president Mwai Kibaki.

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In his 2022 promises to the region, the ODM leader promised to revive defunct industries and factories that used the economy of the greater Rift Valley region.

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Blow To Raila AS OKA Principals Make New Move To Block Him From Reuniting With Them

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga might have suffered a blow after One Kenya Alliance Principals made a new move to bar him from re-uniting with them.

The team has revealed that they will sign a coalition agreement that prevents them from joining any political coalition.

Sources have revealed that OKA technical committee are working tirelessly to have a coalition agreement signed by the principals as soon as possible.

The agreement will bring together six senior political bigwigs in the country, that is, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, KANU’s Gideon Moi, Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetangula and Cyrus Jirongo who recently joined the alliance.

Kimilili MP Chris Wamalwa has said that the technical committee has finalized the coalition’s instrument which seeks to bring the principals together.

The news about this coalition agreement comes a day after Kalonzo Musyoka vowed never to back Raila in his presidential bid. He said it is time for the ODM chief to support him having done the same for him in the last two elections.

Kalonzo also urged Raila to retire from politics noting that he is old enough to go home. Kalonzo expressed confidence that OKA is becoming a serious political challenger in 2022 contest and urged other political parties to join them.

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Raila Hints At Possibility Of Working With Ruto Ahead of 2022 General Elections

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

ODM Party leader Raila Odinga has opened up on the possibility of working with Deputy President William Ruto ahead of 2022 general elections.

Raila also added that Ruto has already declared his interest in the presidency but he seems not to support anyone.

While talking to Kalenjin radio stations on Wednesday October 6, 2021, Raila told the community that he is waiting for them to give him someone he can work with.

So far, it is only DP Ruto and KANU party leader Gideon Moi who have declared their 2022 presidential ambitions among the Kalenjin community.

“I am still the Arap Mibei you used to know,” he told them.

Raila, however, hit out at DP Ruto’s hustler narrative, arguing that the second in command was misadvised.

“Whoever advised William Ruto to use the word Hustler misadvised him. Hustler ni mtu mkorofi, mwizi na mtu mwenye anatumia njia za mikato,” Raila said.

He said he was yet to declare whether he will run for presidency next year or not.

“For now I want to unite the country through Azimio La Umoja,” he added.

Raila further noted that he will not look for any endorsement ahead of 2022.

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‘Hakuna Makosa!’ Raila Breaks Silence On Pandora Papers Expose, Defends Uhuru

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

ODM leader Raila Odinga has finally broken his silence on the Pandora papers expose that revealed the secret wealth that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s family has allegedly hidden in offshore accounts.

Speaking during an interview with Chamgei FM on Wednesday October 6, 2021, the former Prime Minister come defended President Kenyatta, noting that having an offshore account is not illegal so long as the owners explain how they opened it.

Raila said while he doesn’t have offshore accounts, it is acceptable for Kenyans who can explain the money in such accounts.

He added that the focus should not be on the account but how the money was obtained.

“Hii ni mambo ya Pandora box. Sioni kama kuna shida kuwa na account kule nje bora unaweza kusema jinsi ulifungua account vile Uhuru amesema atasema zaidi atakapo rudi (On pandora box issue, I do not see if there is a problem having an offshore account as long as you can explain how you opened it the same way President Uhuru Kenyatta has said that he will explain more once he returns to the country) ,” Raila said.

“Mimi sina chochote huko nje, yangu iko Kenya ( I don’t have any wealth outside the country, mine is okay),” declared the ODM leader.

Raila was commenting about the recently leaked International Consortium of Investigative Journalist’s (ICIJ) Pandora box expose which alleged that Uhuru and six members of his family have massive secret wealth stashed in foreign accounts.

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Violence Rocks Kisii As Ruto, Raila Supporters Clash, Many Injured

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Deputy President William Ruto’s tour of Kisii County on Sunday October 4, 2021 turned chaotic after his supporters clashed with those of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Several people were injured after youths wearing ODM T-shirts clashed with Ruto’s supporters at Suneka, in Bonchari Constituency in Kisii.

The groups attacked each other with clubs and stones as DP Ruto approached Suneka junction to address the crowd.

The crowd donning ODM t-shirts heckled Ruto which caused supporters to clash with them in a fracas that lasted for minutes.

Less than five metres away, laid a man, helpless on the ground after being hit with a club on the head. Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi’s aides rushed him to hospital.

May be an image of 2 people, people standing and outdoors

Later, the DP headed to Mama Teresa home, a widow to the late former Bonchari MP Oroo Oyiako.

On his way back, another violence ensued causing a state of conodrum and panic while Ruto was preparing to address a crowd.

Residents scampered for safety and only returned after calm was restored when Ruto started his address. He condemned the act saying that it is not good for local leaders to pay youths to cause violence.

“I am calling on youths not to accept to be used to fight their colleagues. “You deserve a job and a business, not to be used as hooligans,” said Ruto.

He added that the money set aside for development should be used appropriately and not to pay for chaos.

He earlier on told off his critics for not taking serious his role in shaping Jubilee and development projects before falling out with his boss Uhuru Kenyatta.

He took credit for most development projects in Kisii saying that he took a big part in ensuring their implementation.

Ruto said he initiated the construction of over 3000 kms of tarmac road in the area, 140,000 households connected to electricity up from 27000 and provision of clean water.

His comments seemed to target interior CS Fred Matiangi who has also been taking credit of the achievements to his Gusii community. Ruto told the Gusii community to support him since he also has not abandoned them since 2013.

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Jimmy Wanjigi Launches A Scathing Attack At Raila Odinga Days After He Was Warned By ODM

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Business man and presidential candidate Jimmy Wanjigi has launched attacks at ODM leader Raila Odinga saying that he should come out to confirm if he will run for presidency in 2022.

He condemned those who are opposed to his move to open ODM offices saying that he is marketing the party at the grassroots yet some people are fighting him. The business man also emphasized that he will not leave ODM saying that he has invested a lot in the party and expects free and fair primaries.

While speaking in Mombasa, he urged ODM leadership to carry out genuine elections to identify real members in the party. He said Raila cannot be an umpire, player, the referee, the lines man and the VAR. He should announce his candidature and face all other interested candidates within the party law,” said Wanjigi.

ODM’s Central Committee on Wednesday threatened to take a disciplinary action against members planning to open branch offices in the grassroots without consulting the national office. This seemed to be a response to Jimmy Wanjigi after his move of opening offices in Central region.

ODM’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said anyone willing to open the offices should consult the national office, failure to do so attracts a disciplinary action. Sifuna’s response came days after the Registrar of Political Parties acknowledge receiving a letter from Wanjigi seeking that the part summarizes the presidential nomination process.

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Rigathi Gachagua Tears Into Mount Kenya Tycoons Days After They Met Raila

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua has torn into Mt. Kenya tycoons days after ODM leader Raila Odinga met them in a bid to seek support in the region.

According to Gachagua, the tycoons who met and endorsed Raila for the presidency are only interested in securing their wealth and creating more in future.

The Deputy President William Ruto ally sought to disapprove the claims by the billionaires that they are out to fight for the interests of Mt. Kenya residents.

” Those rich men do not care about the issues affecting Mt. Kenya residents, they are only interested with protecting their wealth and making more in the next government,” said Gachagua.

The politician while speaking at an event held at DP Ruto’s residence in Karen recalled various instances where the tycoons kept mum as the government suppressed Mt. Kenya locals.

“When our people were evicted from Nyamakima, they dd not meet to address the issue. They also failed to make donations to the displaced persons in Laikipia when the skirmishes broke out. They didn’t even help our people with PEPs during the COVID-19 period, yet they have the wherewithal to purchase face marks for everyone in the region,” he added.

The legislator further added that the Mt. Kenya Foundation have for a long time spread their risks and are not trusting. He said that the foundation financed both former President Mwai Kibaki and his opponent President Uhuru Kenyatta’s campaigns in 2002.

According to Gachagua, financing rivals by the foundation showed that they have no stand and are only interested in securing their wealth and investment opportunities.

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Murkomen Fingers CS Amina As Kamariny Stadium Returns To Haunt Him

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has pointed a blame finger at Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed over the stalling of Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Murkomen had on Jue 12, 2018 taken to social media to announce that the stadium was taking shape, and even went further to thank the government for progress.

“Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet County is taking shape thanks to the Government of Kenya,” Murkomen posted.

However, the construction of the much hyped stadium has remained stalled, three years later.

Netizens on Friday October 1, 2021 reminded Murkomen of his post, which has now returned to haunt him.

To save his image, the former Senate Majority Leader shifted the blame to the current sports minister, arguing that Kamariny Stadium has stalled under her watch.

Kamariny Stadium came into limelight in 2017 after Deputy President William Ruto promised that it would be completed in six months time alongside other stadia in the country.

CABINET SECRETARY AMBASSADOR DR. AMINA MOHAMED – KENYA'S CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION | Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Spain
President Uhuru Kenyatta with Sports CS Amb. Amina Mohamed. Photo/Courtesy.

The promise was made when the ruling Jubilee party was launching its campaign manifesto in 2017.

Murkomen also attacked the State House and the Presidential Delivery Unit, that mainly improves the coordination of National Government flagship programs, monitors, evaluates and reports on the timely fulfillment of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s important development priorities.

The lawmaker claimed that the two bodies have abandoned their roles and instead involve themselves in politics, giving state projects little attention.

He also claimed that most government projects stalled immediately President Uhuru Kenyatta made “Handshake” with his former political rival Raila Odinga.

“Madam Amina Mohammed from 2018 to date Kamariny stadium has stagnated under your watch. Meanwhile State House and PDU Delivery are busy playing politics. The story of GOK under handshake/BBI administration is that of broken promises from Big 4 Agenda to stadiums, A laughing stock,” tweeted Murkomen.

The self-spoken politician went on to attack President Uhuru Kenyatta for persecuting politicians who fought for him in his maiden term of presidency and in his quest for re-election.

According to Murkomen, the government has abandoned Rift Valley since the DP fell out with his boss.

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Blow To Uhuru As State House Director Of Political Affairs Allegedly Joins Ruto’s UDA

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

State House director of political affairs Machel Waikenda has allegedly joined Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

The allegations were made by DP Ruto’s aide Dennis Itumbi on Friday September 17, 2021.

Itumbi through his social media accounts posted a campaign poster bearing the image of Dr. Waikenda and the UDA logo and colors.

According to the poster, Waikenda will be vying for the Kiambu County Senatorial seat on a UDA ticket come 2022.

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State House director of political affairs Machel Waikenda.

Itumbi welcomed him to DP Ruto’s camp, noting that it was a home of the ‘hustler nation’.

“Alaaar. State House Director, @MachelWaikenda welcome to @UDAKenya the home of #HustlerNation,” Itumbi posted.

The post has stirred mixed reactions, with a section of netizens claiming that Waikenda might have been part of the team that has been leaking President Uhuru Kenyatta’s intelligence briefs to Itumbi.

Itumbi through his famous Hustler Nation Intelligence Bureau (HNIB) has been leaking details of high profile meetings through his social media accounts.

DP Ruto and President Kenyatta fell out in 2018 after the head of state’s handshake with ODM leader Raila Oding.

The rift between the two leaders has been widening, with the clergy recently calling them to reconcile.

On Thursday, Ruto said he is ready to bury the hatchet with President after Catholic Bishops offered to broker a truce.

Speaking at his home in Nairobi, Ruto said he is ready to face Uhuru unconditionally.

The second in command blamed his falling-out with Uhuru on what he termed gossip fed to the President by outsiders who joined government. It was an apparent reference to ODM leader Raila Odinga and his brigade.

Ruto said the reconciliation should be fast-tracked to avoid plunging the country into further crisis and deepening hostility.

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Senator Malala Details How Raila, Ruto Will Send Each Other To Prison After 2022

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga will jail each other after the 2022 electioneering period, Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has claimed.

Malala who was speaking on Wednesday September 15, 2021 during an interview on a local radio station stated that whoever will become the fifth president between Raila and DP Ruto, will jail the other.

He argues that Raila will send Ruto to prison immediately after clinching power, and Ruto will do the same to Raila should he also succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.

This, according to Malala, is because the two leaders have deep-rooted enmity and bitterness that if either of them gets the top seat, they will seek to punish the other.

Malala who is rooting for a Musalia Mudavadi presidency argues that should Raila win the 2022 general election, half of the country will gladly welcome that win while the other half will frown over it.

As a result, he argued, the country will remain divided. The same outcome would be expected if Ruto becomes the next president.

The ANC lawmaker argues that for the country to avoid the looming division that will be brought about by Raila and Ruto, a neutral leader must be given a chance.

In his appeal to ODM leader and Ruto, he urged them to compromise their candidacy for the sake of the country, arguing that the nation needs healing from all manners of political intolerance.

He says that Kenyans should elect a leader who will not hold any grudge against another leader.

Malala insisted that the anger and bitterness that exists between DP Ruto and the former Prime Minister is beyond just politics, therefore, risks hurting the entire nation.

Raila who has not yet declared his 2022 presidential candidature is on the record saying that he will send all the thieves to prison should he become the next president.

Ruto on the other hand has been accusing Raila of causing Jubilee government’s failure to deliver on its promises to Kenyans.

The second in command has been accusing Raila of killing Jubilee party through his handshake with President Kenyatta.

Ruto has hence abandoned Jubilee and is now focusing on popularizing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) which he will use as his vehicle to presidency in 2022.

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Uhuru Breaks Silence On Postponing 2022 General Election, Reveals This

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has finally addressed claims that the 2022 general election may be postponed.

Speaking on Wednesday evening during an interview with editors at State House, Nairobi, Uhuru addressed reports that the next year’s general polls may be pushed forward following endless calls by the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli.

Atwoli has been calling for the state to push the polls forward in order to allow the BBI proponents to re-organise themselves.

However, President Kenyatta distanced himself from the claims.

“I have not heard of such discussions and I have no comments on it. How many times should I tell you that I am grateful to the people of Kenya for the chance they have given me to serve?”

“I am more than happy to serve my time and finish my program, bring the people together and ensure we have a peaceful stable united country,” he stated. 

Nonetheless, he cautioned that the Court of Appeal ruling declaring that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) lacked the quorum to conduct elections may jeopardise the 2022 race.

“In fact, if what the court ruled on BBI is anything to go by, then we cannot have the General Election owing to the IEBC composition. I do not want to comment on that. Let us wait and see what unfolds. I am ready for the election at the prescribed time as I have said several times,” he added. 

“So that is all I have to say on the issue – I am working on that election and transition schedule.”  

ODM leader Raila Odinga and deputy President William Ruto are among the leaders seeking to succeed President Kenyatta in 2022.

Others that have declared interest are ANC’s Musalia Mudavadi and Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka who are both in the Okoa Kenya Alliance (OKA).

Kanu’s Gideon Moi who is also an OKA co-principal has declared interest.

Others are Mukhisa Kituyi, National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi and Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua.

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