ODM party leader Oburu Odinga’s claim that former President Uhuru Kenyatta failed Raila in 2022 sent shockwaves through Kenyan politics this week as the ODM leader accused him of not doing enough to stop William Ruto from “stealing” the election when Raila supposedly won.
Speaking at a packed party meeting in Mombasa, Oburu expressed his frustration, stating that while Uhuru held power in the past, he allowed things to slip, and now he should completely avoid involvement in Azimio affairs.
He called Azimio “dead” long ago, saying ODM moved on when joining the broad-based government. But then he flipped, insisting Uhuru can’t make moves like appointing Kalonzo Musyoka leader without ODM say-so, and told him plainly to leave the party alone.
“ODM is a people’s movement,” he stressed, voice rising over applause. Clips captured it all – confused tenses mixing past and future exist, but the message is clear: no more interference from Uhuru.
On the 2022 vote, Oburu didn’t hold back. Raila won fairly, he claimed, but Ruto took it anyway. Uhuru stood with Raila then, handshake and all, yet had tools to block the “theft” and didn’t use them.
Working with Ruto now feels bitter to some, and Oburu voiced that raw. “How can we complain about stolen goods yet sit with him?” His words echoed, pulling nods from loyalists tired of compromises.
Social media quickly ignited. Pauline Njoroge’s post questioning the “heavily confused statement” spread wide, with thousands watching the video and debating every line.
Supporters praised Oburu for speaking the truth, reminding them of old handshake promises. Critics called it messy – leaving Azimio in one breath, claiming it in the next. “Political gymnastics.”
Uhuru has stayed quiet so far, with no direct response from his side. But allies bristle at the attack, pointing to his backing for Raila in that election – rallies, endorsements, the works. Ruto’s camp dismisses it as opposition noise, focused on delivery.
Azimio hangs fragile post-Raila, with Kalonzo’s recent appointment by Uhuru already stirring pots. Oburu’s blast pours fuel, signalling ODM wants full control or a clean break.
Kenyans remember 2022 as tense – servers, court battles, protests. Claims of stolen votes linger for many, especially the ODM base. Oburu, Raila’s brother steering the party now, channels that pain loudly. The meeting pushed for a formal exit from Azimio too, matching the broad-based shift with government posts secured.
This outburst shows cracks wide. ODM navigates power share versus independence and old guard versus new realities. Oburu’s words rally some and alienate others. Uhuru’s legacy takes a hit — a hero to some for handshake peace, an enabler to others for the 2022 outcome.
Debate rolls on streets and screens. Youth question cooperation deals; elders defend pragmatism. No easy answers in Kenya’s shifting alliances. Oburu spoke boldly in Mombasa, the message echoing far. Uhuru interferes no more? Time tells if it was heard or ignored. Politics turns again; wounds reopen quietly. Kenya listens closely.
