Mudavadi: I have the best chance to become president

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi on Saturday said that he would not be a running mate, adding that his track record in government gave him a good chance to clinch the presidency in the General Election.

He said he had served diligently as a Cabinet minister, Vice-President and Deputy Prime Minister and that gave him the leverage to succeed President Kibaki.

Mr Mudavadi told a rally in Kakamega that his decision to ditch ODM for UDF was irreversible. He said that those doubting his ability to clinch the top seat should be ready for surprises.

“My community has produced three successive vice presidents including myself. Why would I want to be anybody’s running mate when I have the best chance to become the next President?” he posed.

Uhuru allies

But even as he sought to assert that he was his own man, the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s key allies – Nairobi Metropolitan minister Jamleck Kamau and Local Government assistant minister Lewis Nguyai – heightened the speculation that the DPM could be working behind the scenes to cobble together a political alliance ahead of the next polls.

He said his agenda, once elected, would revolve around empowering the poor and the vulnerable by addressing the high cost of food stuffs and other commodities and creating job opportunities for the youth.

But even as he said this, Mr Kenyatta’s allies appeared to send a different message on the support for Mr Mudavadi.

Mr Kamau said the deputy prime minister should first bring on board other key politicians from Western to strengthen his bid for the presidency.

The Kigumo MP said Mr Mudavadi should approach Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa, Trade minister Moses Wetang’ula and Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo to ensure a bloc vote from the region.

He said that although the region had in the past recorded one of the highest number of voters, the turnout on voting day had been unimpressive.

Split votes

“Luhyas have the numbers but their undoing is that they have always split their votes among several candidates,” he said.

Mr Kamau added that the parties under the G7 Alliance would pick their flag-bearer through a joint nomination since the contest was not about which region would produce the next president.

He added: “I have a message for Mr Mudavadi. Please ensure that you work with Mr Wetang’ula, Mr Wamalwa and Mr Jirongo so that you can receive the backing of other communities.”

Nominated MP George Nyamweya said he had witnessed the support Mr Mudavadi had in the region and urged the youth to ensure they register as voters and vote as a block.

Housing Minister Shoita Shitanda said the time had come for other communities to back a candidate from Western Province since Luhyas had supported President Kenyatta and Mwai Kibaki and even backed Daniel arap Moi.

Best suited

Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale said that Mr Mudavadi had proved himself as the best suited candidate because he did not court controversy and had a national appeal.

He said that the contest between Mr Mudavadi and Prime Minister Raila Odinga had nothing to do with their communities.

“We are asking Mr Mudavadi to serve all Kenyans equally should he be elected and forget his difference with the opponents” said Dr Khalwale.

Hamisi MP George Khaniri said the MPs from the province who were backing Prime Minister Raila Odinga would pay the price for working against Mr Mudavadi and predicted that they would lose their seats in the General Election.

“This is a defining moment for the Luhya community. Anybody who stands on the way of Mr Mudavadi will have himself to blame since they will be swept aside by the voters”.

Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapondi, Lurambi MP Manyala Keya, Shinyalu MP Justus Kizito, Laikipia West MP Nderitu Muriithi and Mandera Central MP Abdikadir Mohammed also attended the rally.