Mudavadi steps up bid to create ‘third force’

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi intensified efforts to form a coalition on Saturday ahead of Tueday’s pre-election agreement deadline.

Mr Mudavadi was set to meet Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka last evening in a bid to reignite talks that appeared to have collapsed after the VP’s strategists reportedly bulldozed him into seeking an alliance with Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Insiders said talks between Mr Mudavadi and Mr Musyoka collapsed after the DPM maintained he would be the presidential candidate and the VP his running mate.

It also emerged on Saturday that Mr Mudavadi’s team was weighing the option of bringing on board three other presidential aspirants and two more political parties to create a potential third force.

Credible sources in Mr Mudavadi’s camp confided he is keen to work with Kenya National Congress’ Peter Kenneth, Narc-Kenya’s Martha Karua, Party of Action’s Raphael Tuju and Kiraitu Murungi’s Alliance Party of Kenya and Kanu.

Mr Kenneth has met Mr Mudavadi and Mr Tuju at different times to explore options of working together. Although he did not confirm or deny having held talks with Mr Mudavadi, Mr Kenneth admitted “having discussions with many people”.

“Mr Mudavadi is comfortable working with them. They bring fresh blood and ideas that can sell beyond the tribes,” said Mr Mudavadi’s director of communications Mundia Muchiri.

Retired President Moi is said to be firmly in Mr Mudavadi’s corner and has given Kanu, the party led by his son Gideon, the go-ahead to talk to UDF.

UDF secretary-general Dan Ameyo alluded to talks with “non-tribalised” party leaders.

“Mr Mudavadi’s greatest asset is his appeal to most Kenyans outside their tribal cocoons. If you ask Kenyans who they would vote for if their tribal leader isn’t on the ballot, they say Mr Mudavadi. These numbers can only grow,” added Laikipia West MP Ndiritu Muriithi.

Mr Mudavadi’s team is convinced that he can still get significant support in Central, Rift Valley, North Eastern and Coast provinces, despite the prevailing thought that they are locked in favour of certain candidates.

Statistics released by the registrar of political parties showed UDF had the highest number of registered members in most of these areas.

Mr Mudavadi’s inner circle has urged him not to join any of the emerging coalitions just for the sake of it.

Political analysts agree the DPM is not yet out of the race, and staying away from coalitions could make him king or kingmaker.

They say Mr Mudavadi could join a Raila-Kalonzo alliance and make Raila win, or Mr Ruto and Mr Kenyatta could choose him as their compromise candidate if the courts bar them from vying for the presidency.