The Supreme Court on Monday 5th September 2022 upheld Wafula Chebukati’s declaration of William Ruto as the duly elected president of Kenya. According to the Apex court, all petitions filed two weeks before the day of verdict did not provide substantial proof as to why the election should be nullified. The decision by the seven-judge bench was unanimous.
In consequence, Raila’s 5th attempt – probably final – at becoming president of the Republic of Kenya has been shattered after Martha Koome confirmed Samoei Ruto’s win.
The senile merchant from Bondo therefore has no more bullets to fire. Garnering a total of 6,942,930 votes placed him slightly behind Ruto William who managed to garner 7,176,141 votes in the bitterly contested 9th August elections.
1997 election against Daniel Moi
Raila Odinga fired his first bullet in 1997, seeking to dethrone Daniel Moi, who at the time had been president for 19 years. Mr. Odinga came in as the second runner’s up garnering only 665,000 votes against Moi’s 2.45 million votes and Kibaki’s 1.9 million votes.
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2002 election against Uhuru Kenyatta
In 2002, Kibaki and Raila joined forces and managed to defeat Uhuru Kenyatta, who was at the time making his first ever stab at the presidency. In that year, Kibaki and Raila got 3.65 million votes against Uhuru’s 1.84 million votes.
2007 election against Mwai Kibaki
In 2007, Raila fell out with Mwai Kibaki and fired his third bullet against Kibaki via ODM party ticket, which turned out sore. Mwai Kibaki allegedly won the elections (with 4.58 million votes) but due to major irregularities seen in the electoral process, the country plunged into post-election violence that saw over 1200 lives lost, and 600,000 individuals displaced from their homes. International organizations had to step in and mediate the nation into stability. Raila became Prime Minister while Mwai Kibaki maintained his presidential seat. Power however, was split among the two individuals.
2013 election against Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto
A 4th bullet was fired on 2013, against Uhuru Kenyatta, who at the time had teamed up with William Ruto. Despite having the greatest political experience among the presidential aspirants, Raila was yet again whooped by Uhuru Kenyatta who garnered 6.17 million votes against Raila’s 6.17 M votes.
Also Read: Revealed! How Jaramogi Cursed Raila Never to Be President of Kenya
2017 election against Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto
Raila never got tired as in 2017, he decided to fire his 5th bullet – which at the time was his ‘last’. Raila again, lost to Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto who got 7.7 million votes against Raila’s 6.3 million votes. Raila proceeded to file a petition at the Supreme court, which was at the time led by Chief Justice Maraga. The election was nullified as IEBC failed to answer several crucial questions posed by the Apex court. A re-run was held but the man from Bondo decided to boycott the elections. This ultimately gave Uhuru majority vote cast.
2022 election against William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua
In 2022, a sixth bullet was fired. This was the strongest bullet ever as he had support from the State. William Ruto had fallen out with Uhuru Kenyatta and many anticipated Odinga’s win. At the time, ‘BabaThe5th’ was a song sang by many. Ironically, Raila still lost and as usual, cried foul and filed a petition at the Apex Court.
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This petition, would mark his 7th bullet, as his running mate Martha Karua explained that since they had proof that they had won the election, the Supreme Court would proceed to declare Raila Odinga as the rightful president-elect of Kenya. The Supreme Court dismissed all petitions against IEBC, Wafula Chebukati and William Ruto.
With Raila Odinga advanced in age, it is very unlikely that he will be firing an 8th bullet in 2027. However, Mr. Odinga has been known to be a man of many surprises. Who knows? He might have more political juice within him to run again. As it stands, he is politically humiliated.
Raila Odinga’s statement after the Supreme Court verdict
Following the Supreme Court verdict, Azimio Presidential candidate Raila Odinga stated that he disagreed with the Supreme Court verdict. The man contended that even though the case was not ruled in their favor, the Azimio la Umoja movement will not end.
“The judgement is by no means the end of our movement, in fact, it inspires us to redouble our efforts to transform this country into a prosperous democracy where each and every Kenyan can find their full bel; ongoing,” he stated.”
Baba the 6th, Really?
Following the twist of events in the country, Kenyans especially the Azimio supporters looked for new ways to beat depression with tweeps promoting #BabaThe6th while others asked him to retire silently in Bondo (I laugh and weep concurrently while writing this).
President-elect William Ruto, did not say much in regards to the verdict, aside from a Bible verse in his twitter account; Mark 10:27, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”
