Amani leader tours counties to woo voters

Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi has dismissed critics who have branded him a coward.

The former deputy premier has been to more than nine counties in the past two months in what is seen as an aggressive re-branding mission.

Mr Mudavadi has been to Kericho, Kwale, Lamu, Nakuru, Busia, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia and Bomet.

During the trips to market the ANC as well as to meet supporters, Mr Mudavadi has been a loud critic of the Jubilee administration which he has consistently described as a failure. 

Besides, he has been using the forums to fight the tag that he is indecisive and gullible.

And while in western Kenya, he asked members of the Luhya community not to abandon him. He advised that there was a need to rally behind one candidate in the 2017 General Election.

His last trip was in Busia, where he pitched tent for three days until yesterday. He called on the Luhya community to give him support.

He also warned his competitors to prepare for a bruising battle in the next election.

BRANDED A COWARD

The former deputy premier has challenged those who branded him a coward in 2013 to prepare for a major battle in 2017.

“Some people have tried a number of times but have not made it. I have only tried once and I am ready to do it again,” said Mr Mudavadi in Busia yesterday.

He was accompanied by several grassroots leaders.

He went on: “I am ready and I know with your support I will make it.”

The former presidential  candidate described himself as the politician with the experience and stamina to lead the country.

According to Mr Mudavadi, the Jubilee coalition has failed to deliver on its promises.

The ANC leader has also dismissed investigations by the anti-corruption team, and asked the Jubilee government to resign  for failure to stem graft.

In Naivasha, the former deputy premier accused the Jubilee administration of skewed compensation for  families displaced during the 2007/2008 post-election violence.

“It is unfortunate for the government to say some IDPs will not be considered in the Sh22 billion allocated for victims,” he said.

At the coast, the ANC boss decried poverty in the region.

“Kwale is among the top 10 poorest counties in Kenya with an index of 70 per cent. Whatever else we do, therefore, we must work to pull Kwale out of poverty,” he said.

Speaking at Butula and Nambale sub-counties on Friday, Mr Mudavadi said he was readying himself for a tough contest.