Speaking in an interview with Citizen TV, Mwangi said Raila actions following the 2022 General Election marked a clear break from his established pattern of preparing for another presidential run.
“After the 2022 elections, he behaved in a way that suggested he would not run again in very many ways,” Mwangi said. He noted that Raila avoided the usual political signals associated with gearing up for a national campaign.
According to Mwangi, Raila did not adopt the combative tone or grassroots mobilisation strategy that had defined his past bids. Instead, his public engagements appeared measured and less politically charged.
Shift in tone and political strategy
Beyond public appearances, Mwangi said private discussions also reflected a shift in Raila priorities. “Even in our discussions, there were patterns that would show you he was not factoring himself in the next contest as a candidate,” he said.
The lawyer pointed to Raila evolving relationship with President William Ruto, noting that their engagements lacked the sharp rivalry that had previously characterised Kenya opposition politics.
“If you observe how he was relating with President William Ruto, you get the sense he did not intend to confront him politically in the future,” Mwangi added.
Historically, Raila was known for early political mobilisation. After previous elections, he quickly initiated movements aimed at sustaining momentum among supporters.
Following the 2013 election, for example, he launched the Okoa Kenya initiative within a year, ensuring his political base remained active. However, such efforts were notably absent after the 2022 vote.
“He never let his supporters remain idle. He would always keep them politically engaged,” Mwangi said, contrasting that approach with Raila more subdued posture in recent years.
Raila contested the presidency five times in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022, cementing his position as one of Kenya most enduring political figures.
His 2007 bid remains one of the most contentious in the country history, following a disputed outcome that triggered the 2007–2008 post-election violence.
The crisis led to a power-sharing agreement under which Raila served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, marking a significant period in Kenya governance.
Despite multiple attempts at the presidency, Raila remained a central figure in opposition politics for decades, often championing reforms and democratic governance.
Mwangi remarks now suggest that before his death, the veteran politician may have been preparing to step away from presidential politics altogether.
