Kisii Governor Simba Arati/COURTESYKisii Governor Simba Arati has questioned why former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was not sworn in as president after the 2022 General Election, despite his supporters having claimed victory in previous elections.
Speaking during the first anniversary celebration of Raila’s death at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, Arati revisited the disputed elections of 2007, 2013 and 2017, maintaining that Raila had won but was denied the presidency.
“In 2007, Raila won, but people swore him in at night, and the people who did that are here,” Arati said.
He went on to claim that Raila also won the 2013 and 2017 elections but that Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in despite the opposition’s objections.
“In 2013, Baba won the election, but Uhuru was sworn in by force. In 2017, Uhuru again was sworn in by force when we had won,” he said.
Arati questioned why Raila had not been sworn in after the 2022 election, yet Uhuru was in control of the government.
“In 2022, the question that we are asking ourselves is, he (Uhuru) had all the powers, he had the government, why didn’t he swear in Baba? That is what we are asking ourselves,” he said.
“Let him (Uhuru) give us a break.”
Arati also called for unity within the ODM party, insisting that Raila had left the party intact and that members should work towards strengthening it rather than engaging in internal disputes.
“Those of us in ODM, let us not bring in issues. Raila left us in ODM. Anyone who wants to leave, we are asking you to come back so that we can build ODM,” he said.
He, however, warned those considering leaving the party that they were free to do so, saying those who chose to be bought by political sponsors could leave with them.Arati further thanked Ruto for honouring Raila, saying the President had accorded the late opposition leader respect.
“Asante kwa kutupea heshima na kupatia Baba heshima,” he said.
He added that ODM was part of the government and was prepared to form the next government in 2027.
The ceremony brought together political leaders, family members and supporters to remember Raila, who died on October 15, 2025 while undergoing treatment in India.
President William Ruto as well as retired president Uhuru Kenyatta skipped the event.
