In April 2022, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka projected that ODM leader Raila Odinga would lose the presidential election against William Ruto if he failed to pick him as his running mate.
“People know that when Raila takes the Wiper team on board, he will be the next President of Kenya. But there is a problem when Raila leaves Kalonzo,” he had said in a political meeting in Kitui in April.
In July, less than three weeks to the general elections, Kalonzo addressed the running mate issue once again. He proclaimed that he had not been selected as running mate because Raila felt that hr had lost support in Ukambani region.
“This time Raila said although he was ready to make me the deputy president Ukambani was divided. He said; ‘You lack the support of your people’,” said Kalonzo.
“That is why I have come to plead with you to relieve me of the burden and vote for only Wiper candidates. Clothe me properly by electing only Wiper candidates from the MCA to the governor,” he told a political rally at Mutituni Township in Machakos County.
Raila opted to go with Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua in a bid to woo Mount Kenya voters. On August 15, six days after the general election, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced that Raila had lost to Dr. Ruto.
This sparked the question on whether Kalonzo was right in his assertions that Raila would lose on a ticket with Martha.
Dr. Ruto won the presidential election by garnering 7,176,141 votes equal to 50.49 per cent of the votes while Azimio’s Raila scored 6,942,930 equal to 48.85 per cent.
Dr. Ruto contested through the UDA party while Raila contested for the seat under the Azimio la Umoja.
It was Dr. Ruto’s first stab at the presidency while Raila Odinga was trying his luck for the fifth time.
Dr. Ruto’s deputy president designate will be former Mathira member of parliament Rigathi Gachagua.
It’s not over! Martha Karua speaks after Ruto’s win
If the presidential results are not contested at the Supreme Court of Kenya, Dr. Ruto will be sworn in as the fifth president before the end of August 2022.
He will take over from President Uhuru who will be retiring after completing his two terms.