Mudavadi allies decamp to UDF

Political leaders in western Kenya from Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi's stronghold have resolved to consolidate and support the United Democratic Forum (UDF) party.

More than 300 party branch officials from Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), New Ford Kenya, Ford Kenya and PNU made the resolution after a day long meeting in Kakamega on Saturday.

Under the banner of a ‘fresh start’, the officials said there was need for unity in the region to ensure adequate support for Mudavadi’s presidential bid.

Those present during the resolution were Mr Mudavadi, Housing Minister Soita Shitanda, Gender and Children assistant minister Manyala Keya, Ikolomani MP Bonny
Khalwale, and Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu.

At the same time, western Kenya KNUT branch officials over the weekend made a declaration that teachers will support Mudavadi's bid as did women leaders drawn from Maendeleo ya Wanawake and professionals.

Jamindas Declaration

At Jamindas Paradise Motel, the teachers officials made the ‘Jamindas Declaration’ in support of Mudavadi’s bid.

They vowed to comb the region to marshal support and 'deal with those opposing his candidature in the region.' Read (Raila allies want deputy premier sent packing)

On Saturday, DPM Mudavadi met with different interest groups drawn from the four Counties of western Kenya to seal and firmly secure his home base support.

After officially opening the UDF Vihiga County office, Mr Mudavadi met KNUT leaders at Jamindas Motel.

Later, he met with women leaders at Golf Hotel Kakamega and thereafter met different political party officials at Savona Hotel in Kakamega town.

It's at Savona Hotel where 300 party officials from different political groups agreed to form interim party posts under UDFP to avoid competition amongst themselves.

“In 2002 when NARC was formed, it became clear that divisions within affiliate parties would hand KANU an easy victory. Again, we risk the same unless we merge our parties into UDF” said Housing Minister Soita Shitanda.

They said Mudavadi will defuse tension and fear factor among the competing political leaders so that violence similar to the one experienced in the 2008 post election chaos will not recur.

UDF's best chance

Mudavadi said the glorious moment of ODM was in 2007 whereas UDF has the best opportunity because of its national outreach.

“UDF has the best chance while ODM has none. Kenyans have moved on and changed significantly. If there was time that ODM were to win an election their best chance was in 2007." he said.