Raila Odinga has declared that Kenya has only conducted one truly free and fair election since the introduction of multiparty democracy in 2002. Speaking in Machakos County during the funeral of veteran pilot James Nguyo Gitahi on March 15, 2025, Raila insisted that despite winning multiple elections, he was never declared the victor. He accused past elections of being manipulated to deny him victory.
Raila: “I Have Won Many Elections But Was Never Declared”
The ODM leader maintained that Kenya’s electoral process has long been flawed, with only the 2002 election meeting the standards of fairness. However, he expressed hope that democracy is a continuous process that takes time to mature.
“The only election that was free and fair since the multi-party era is the one in 2002; you all know about the rest. So don’t tell me that I want to win an election—I have already won many times. I just haven’t been declared. Democracy is not instant coffee that you brew and drink at the same time,” Raila stated.
Focus on Kenya’s Challenges Before 2027 Elections
Raila urged Kenyans to shift their focus from the 2027 elections and instead address pressing national issues. He defended his 10-point agenda, dismissing claims that his recent political pact with President William Ruto was a betrayal. He challenged critics to propose real solutions rather than simply calling for Ruto’s removal.
“Kenyans need to live between now and 2027. The 10-point agenda is not a betrayal to Kenyans. Mnasema Ruto aende, aende alafu nini ifanyike? Shida za Wakenya lazima zitatuliwe sasa sio siku ingine,” Raila said.
His remarks were in response to Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who advised him to consider working with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka to increase his chances of winning the 2027 presidential race.
“Gachagua is ready to support you. If you back Ruto, you will have to stay second fiddle. Support Rigathi and Kalonzo, and you will be President,” Nyutu stated.
SK Macharia Alleges Rigging in 2007, 2017, and 2022 Elections
During the same event, Royal Media Services (RMS) Chairperson Samuel Kamau (SK) Macharia made explosive claims that Raila Odinga was the rightful winner of the 2007 presidential election, having allegedly secured a 1.8 million vote lead over then-President Mwai Kibaki.
Macharia claimed he was pressured to alter the results, leading to Kibaki’s controversial victory. The disputed outcome triggered post-election violence, which resulted in 1,300 deaths and the displacement of thousands.
“In 2007, Kibaki was declared the winner, but we had complete data showing that Raila had actually won the election. We had agreed with Gitahi that whoever dies first will reveal this information—that is why I am doing it,” Macharia revealed.
He further detailed how election data was manipulated to overturn Raila’s victory.
“Our data showed Raila had won with 1.8 million votes. One night, I was taken from my house, and all returning officers from the Mt. Kenya region were held, with their return forms seized. I was taken to my office, where I found some people I won’t mention, and we changed all the figures. That’s how Kibaki won the election,” he recalled.
2017 Elections: Voter Register Manipulation
Macharia also claimed that Raila Odinga lost the 2017 election due to voter register tampering. According to him, names from the death register were fraudulently included in the voter list, allowing for massive electoral fraud.
“In the election of 2017, we learned that the register had been changed for voters. When a voter registered, you had your fingerprint, photograph, and full name. They had taken some names from the death register but had no photographs. That is how Raila was beaten,” he stated.
How Raila Allegedly Lost the 2022 Election
Macharia further claimed that Raila Odinga’s loss in 2022 was due to his own refusal to act on critical intelligence reports regarding the voter register. He revealed that he had warned Raila of impending electoral fraud, but the ODM leader dismissed his concerns.
“In 2022, we went to Naivasha to plan for Raila’s candidacy. I tried to explain that the register they were going to use was fake, but Raila was so impatient he stopped me from explaining. However, the four commissioners who were later fired came to my house, and I showed them how the registers were fake,” Macharia revealed.
Macharia Blames Raila’s Overreliance on Uhuru in 2022
According to Macharia, Raila Odinga placed too much trust in former President Uhuru Kenyatta, assuming that his backing would secure his victory. However, he argues that President William Ruto had already devised a strategic plan to counter Raila at the ballot.
“I tried to convince Raila that the voter register they were going to use was flawed and that we needed access to it, even if just as agents. He didn’t think so. Because of the handshake with Uhuru, he believed it was a free throw,” Macharia lamented.
He added that Ruto outmaneuvered Raila and his camp, despite their claims of having the support of the so-called “deep state.”
“They were saying they have the deep state. But Ruto would tell them, ‘Which deep state do you have?’ Because Ruto knew exactly how the extra votes would be placed,” Macharia stated.
What Next for Raila Odinga and Kenyan Politics?
With these allegations resurfacing, the debate over Kenya’s electoral integrity continues to dominate political discourse. Raila Odinga’s stance on past elections and his future political moves will be closely watched as Kenya gears up for the 2027 presidential race.
