Winnie Odinga accuses the West of interfering in August presidential polls

Winnie Odinga, daughter of Azimio leader Raila Odinga.[Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Winnie Odinga, daughter of Azimio leader Raila Odinga now claims Western countries were used to influence the outcome of the August 9 presidential election.

In an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday, Winnie accused the US of constantly interfering in the country's political affairs for selfish interests.

She said the Western nations' alleged interference in Kenya's polls was akin to a person playing a virtual reality game.

"Kenya is their favourite. It is their PlayStation. Have you ever worn virtual reality glasses? That is what Kenya is to them. You put it on and you play," Winnie said.

The ODM East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) nominee said the Western countries manipulated election outcomes in favour of their preferred leaders to take care of their interests at the expense of poor Kenyans.

"Western countries have for years interfered with Africa. They interfere with our sources and governance. The US is divided. Instead of focusing on themselves, they are interfering with the African continent and they pick different things or leaders to put their money into, and the result is to leave our people in extreme poverty," she claimed.

In the highly contested August 9, 2022, presidential election, President William Ruto got 7.18 million votes (50.49 per cent) against Raila Odinga's 6.94 million votes (48.85 per cent).

EALA Nomination

The EALA MP nominee also exuded confidence she would clinch the seat.

"For me, I am not going to EALA as a representative of the Odinga family. If that is the case, the Odinga family could have nominated me over dinner two days ago. I am going to represent the people of Kenya...," she said.

She downplayed critics claiming her nomination was due to her family background, saying the position called for anyone capable of representing Kenyans irrespective of where they come from.

"The name Odinga has gotten me very many things...it has gotten me into trouble, abused, blamed for many things and persecuted. It has also been a blessing and it is a name that I emphatically am proud of and defend. The name Odinga does not define Winnie."

Asked why she sought the EALA seat, Winnie said the decision followed consultations with friends and family, adding that she had not initially expressed the intention.

"Why not me? I have all the requirements for EALA...I have passed and achieved all of them, so why not me? I had not applied for EALA nor was I thinking of taking that step," said Winnie.