Former Azimio la Umoja spokesperson Makau Mutua has sharply dismissed claims by Raila Odinga’s former aide Dennis Onyango, rejecting accusations that he played a central role in the coalition’s loss in the 2022 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday, June 29, Mutua questioned the logic behind Onyango’s claims, arguing that he lacked the authority to influence key state institutions involved in the electoral process.
“I did not control the government, I was not the president, I did not control the IEBC, or the Supreme Court,” Mutua stated, distancing himself from responsibility over the outcome that saw Raila Odinga lose to William Ruto.
Questions over ‘hostage’ claims
Mutua also took issue with Onyango’s assertion that he had undue influence over Odinga, dismissing claims that he could have “taken Baba hostage.”
He argued that such allegations overlook the collective nature of decision-making within the Azimio coalition, pointing out that Odinga was surrounded by seasoned strategists and allies.
“How does a private individual who teaches in New York come to Kenya and cause all these state institutions to deny Baba the presidency?” Mutua posed, emphasizing his position as an external advisor rather than a power broker within government systems.
Shifts blame to Uhuru
In a notable shift, Mutua instead pointed to former President Uhuru Kenyatta as the key figure who should bear responsibility if blame is to be assigned.
He argued that Kenyatta, as Azimio chairman at the time, had control over both state machinery and campaign resources, placing him in a more decisive position in shaping the election outcome.
“If people are looking for someone to blame, they should not look at me. They should blame Uhuru Kenyatta; he controlled the state… he controlled Azimio’s funds,” Mutua said.
Admission and reconciliation
Mutua further revealed that Onyango later reached out to him privately and issued an apology over the remarks, suggesting a possible softening of tensions behind the scenes.
The exchange highlights renewed internal friction within the Azimio camp, nearly four years after the closely contested 2022 election.
Mutua maintained that the race was ultimately Odinga’s “to lose,” implying that broader strategic or structural factors, rather than individual influence, determined the final result.