Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, on Saturday, May 6, disclosed Azimio's sustained pressure on President William Ruto to facilitate the opening of the election servers.
Speaking in Kilifi County, Raila denied claims that he was pushing for Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to open the servers to dethrone Ruto. The Former Prime Minister insisted that Azimio was only interested in the truth.
Further, he argued that opening the servers would give Azimio closure on who won the election, as the opposition did not believe IEBC's tally. He reiterated that he would accept the outcome if the servers reveal that Ruto floored him in the August 9, 2022, Presidential Election.
According to Raila, the servers' opening was one way of promoting electoral transparency conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
"When the results were announced, four IEBC commissioners differed with the results which were announced and that is why we called for the opening of the server," Raila stated.
"When we say the server should be opened, we are not implying that Ruto should vacate office. We just want the truth to be known. If we are lying, then let it be known, but they have refused to open the servers," he added.
President Ruto had earlier responded to Raila's demand maintaining that opening the servers was not within his jurisdiction. He castigated the Azimio leader, indicating that the servers were opened from the start of the election process.
"The servers were open when we all went to the polling station and when we all were identified biometrically and each and every one of us was given a vote to cast," Ruto stated.
"It is also true that when the counting was done and the results posted in the portal, the servers were open. When the IEBC was tallying results at Bomas, when the matter went for validation in court and when the court made a determination of the last general elections, the servers were open," he insisted.
Ruto and Raila, however, reached a truce following the start of bipartisan talks. While advocating for the approach, Ruto insisted that a parliamentary process would address key issues raised by Azimio, including the opening of election servers.
The bipartisan route failed to reach a consensus prompting fresh anti-government protests. Kenya Kwanza caved into Azimio's demands and pulled out Eldas MP Adan Keynan from their bipartisan team.
Following fresh resolutions, Raila gave Ruto a 30-day ultimatum to conclude the bipartisan talks.
