Savula wants Parliament to compel Uhuru to explain his “rigging” claims

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has called on Parliament to summon retired president Uhuru Kenyatta to record a formal statement over his claims that the 2022 presidential election was manipulated.

Savula said Parliament should take the claims seriously and establish an appropriate avenue for Uhuru to explain what he knows about the alleged rigging.

He questioned why the former president had waited four years to raise the issue.

Savula said Kenyans had a right to know the circumstances surrounding the claims, particularly as the country heads into another politically charged election cycle.

“If he knew that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s victory was stolen, why would he wait for four years to talk about it? Why didn’t he talk about it yet he was the president? What does he want to gain by saying it now, a few months to the next election?” he asked.

Savula said Uhuru’s claims undermined the credibility of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which declared presidential election results in 2013, 2017 and 2022.

“Uhuru should tell Kenyans how many votes his Central Kenya gave to Raila. You have never told ODM supporters why you did not walk with Raila in your Mt Kenya backyard in search of votes if you genuinely supported him. Address your shortcomings that denied Raila the presidency and keep off President William Ruto,” he said.

Savula accused Uhuru of raising the claims in an attempt to discredit President Ruto, saying the timing was unfortunate as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

He spoke during a women’s empowerment programme at Jidereri Primary School in Hamisi subcounty, Vihiga county, on Monday.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who is also Western Region Presidential Campaign Coordinator, said retired presidents had a responsibility to promote peace and national cohesion and should avoid political activities that could deepen divisions.

Lusaka called for restraint as political leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 election.

Sirisia MP John Waluke urged Uhuru to promote peaceful coexistence rather than what he described as efforts to fuel divisions for personal political gains.

Hamisi MP Charles Gimose also called for restraint among political leaders, warning that inflammatory statements could undermine national cohesion.

Other leaders who attended the event included Malava MP David Ndakwa, Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau, Vihiga Woman MP Beatrice Adagala and Trans Nzoia Woman MP Lilian Siyoi.

by HILTON OTENYO