Musalia Mudavadi’s UDF set to expel party rebels
What you need to know:
- Cleaning-up is expected to happen at a conference on Monday, with hints that rival faction could sue.
- Mr Mudavadi said that external forces from the government and ODM were behind the strife.
Mr Musalia Mudavadi’s UDF is poised to expel party rebels in a hurriedly convened National Delegates Conference on Monday, an event that is expected to occasion a backlash from a faction led by suspended chairman Hassan Osman.
This comes after branches chided the party leadership for its decision to call off the meeting initially set for Friday and instead ruled it would proceed.
“The secretary-general cancelled the NDC without consulting us, and because we had given notice of the meeting as provided for by our party’s constitution, the meeting will go on this Monday irrespective of the cancellation notice,” Mr Jimmy Azangu, a member of the NDC and the convener appointed by petitioners told the Sunday Nation.
An advert in the dailies on Saturday invited party delegates to the October 24 meeting.
But Mr Osman’s camp insisted that convening the NDC in this manner would be contrary to party rules, signalling that he would challenge it in court.
It has emerged that although UDF secretary-general Justus Kizito cited “logistical challenges” as the reason for the postponement, the fear of being cited for contempt informed the decision because Mr Osman has moved to the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal to challenge his suspension.
He has also asked the tribunal to place a moratorium on all party activities pending the determination of the case.
There are clear indications that Mr Osman will likely lose the chairmanship in the meeting, and that it is one of the items on the agenda for the NDC.
“We must respect the need to work with others so that, for instance, when you are a nominated member of the county assembly or Parliament and you are holding a party position, it is only fair that you cede the position to allow others to also serve the party as you concentrate on the legislative agenda,” Mr Mudavadi said in an interview.
EXTERNAL FORCES
Mr Mudavadi also said that external forces from the government and ODM were behind the strife which has engulfed his party for some weeks now, and it was high time he got rid of them.
“I believe there are forces from outside that are encouraging them (suspended chairman and his associates) to proceed so they can keep us busy sorting domestic issues. The intention is to divert us from rebranding and rejuvenation of the party,” he said.
He said “the forces” were frightened of a stronger UDF in the 2017 elections.
But even as Mr Mudavadi said this, sources within his party said that it is Deputy President William Ruto’s URP, and not ODM, that is responsible for the current situation in UDF.
“What you see happening in UDF is the making of a section of the Jubilee government and that section is well known to us. The idea is to make Mudavadi partyless so he can go back to them or portray him as an individual who cannot manage his own party,” UDF secretary-general Justus Kizito said.
“For me that would be speculation. I am talking about political parties not individuals,” Mr Mudavadi stated when asked if he thought the DP has a hand in his woes.
He reiterated that “the external forces” had funded elements within his party to cause an implosion.
“There are proxies who are fronting this. They know a stronger UDF will definitely enhance the political well-being of its members. Those who want to look at western as a vote hunting ground would prefer a fluid situation because a weaker UDF will make it easier for them to do so,” the former deputy prime minister said.
But he exuded confidence that he will overcome “the onslaught” and come up with a formidable team in preparation for the 2017 polls.
“The good thing is that we began the reorganisation early enough so we can remove such cobwebs in good time. We are assessing our performances to see areas that need improvement,” he said.
NO INTEREST
But URP secretary-general Fred Muteti rubbished the claims saying Mr Ruto had no interest in UDF matters, and advised them to “sort your domestic matters internally and democratically”.
Mr Mudavadi is embroiled in a tough battle with a section of his party members led by Mr Osman and the head of election’s board, Abraham Limo, over control of the party.
The duo and a host of other MPs from Western are also said to be secretly working with Mr Ruto’s URP party in what appears to be ground laying ahead of the 2017 elections, a charge Mr Osman has dismissed.
