Avoid costly run-off, Mudavadi tells rally

• DPM asks voters to rally behind a single candidate to spare resources in a second round

Deputy Prime Musalia Mudavadi on Friday called on voters to unite and support a single candidate to avoid a run-off.

A run-off would demand more resources at the expense of development programmes, the DPM said.

Speaking to councillors and other officials at Gatimene Springs Centre in Meru County where he took his presidential campaign, the DPM noted that the Constitution stipulates that for a candidate to win the presidency, he or she must garner more than 50 per cent of the total votes cast and at least 25 per cent of votes in half of the 47 counties.

Mr Mudavadi, who is vying for the presidency on a United Democratic Forum ticket, said he would work to form an alliance with parties with similar ideals in the lead up to the elections to defeat Mr Odinga.

He promised to carry on with President Kibaki’s legacy if he succeeds him.

The Sabatia MP reiterated that he would protect the President on retirement saying, “some leaders have politicised the whole issue of protecting the President once he retires. I am willing to do so and Kenya cannot allow itself to be like other African nations where former leaders are dragged in the mud and are blamed for everything.”

He further called on leaders to shun tribalism, which he said was stifling development.

He added that a strong economy, peace, insecurity, implementation of the Constitution and creating employment would be his priorities if he won.

Mr Mudavadi spoke of the work he had done in various ministries, saying, it was proof enough that he had what it takes to lead the country.

Mr Mudavadi, who is on a three-day tour of Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, urged leaders to ensure a peaceful transition of power after the next General Election.

Leaders accompanying Mr Mudavadi include, Mr George Nyamweya, Mr Justus Kizito (Shinyalu MP), Mr Manyala Keya (Lurambi), Mr Andrew Ligale (former Vihiga MP) and Ndaragwa’s Jeremiah Kioni.

Mr Kioni said the DPM was the best person to implement the Constitution.

Mr Mudavadi will be in Maua for a rally on Saturday.