Mudavadi hints at working with Uhuru as he visits Kiambu

Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi has hinted at the possibility of working with President Uhuru Kenyatta and other leaders allied to him in the run-up to the 2022 elections.

The 2022 debate has already split leaders, especially following the handshake between opposition leader Raila Odinga and the head of State.

The former presidential candidate hinted at his plans Tuesday when he visited ailing Kiambu politician and businessman Nginyo Kariuki at his residence in Tigoni, Limuru.

CLOSED-DOOR MEETING

Mr Mudavadi was accompanied by other leaders among them MPs Edward Kaunya (Teso North) and Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya).

Others were former Gatanga MP Humphrey Njuguna (Ruho Safi), Mr Andrew Legale two former permanent secretaries and ambassadors.

Mr Mudavadi held a closed-door meeting with the politician and other leaders and, according to sources present, they discussed about unity among the national leaders and ensuring that the former Sabatia MP works closely with President Kenyatta.

While addressing journalists after the two-hour meeting, Mr Mudavadi announced that although he is in the opposition and championing for accountability in government, “he is not far from Uhuru Kenyatta”, suggesting that he could soon be signing to the president’s tune.

GOOD LEGACY

He said his actions are meant to ensure that President Kenyatta, who he served with in the grand coalition government as deputy prime minister, achieves his goals and builds a good legacy.

“I want people to know that I am not far from Uhuru Kenyatta even though I am insisting that he should handcuff the corrupt,” Mr Mudavadi said, adding that his challenge to the government is meant to encourage the president because some people in his administration want to ruin his legacy through wanton theft.

He urged all parties to work together with the government of the day and asked Kenyans not to relent in their support for the ongoing war against corruption because it is ruining Kenya’s future.

POLITICAL START

Mr Mudavadi, who in the recent past has been making inroads into Mount Kenya region through several visits, was responding to calls from Mr Nginyo that he should be close to the president suggesting that it will make his political star brighter.

He cautioned leaders against dividing Kenyans through political lobby groups such as Tangatanga which is allied to Deputy President William Ruto and the rival Kieleweke group which he said are only creating confusion.

On the issue of the much touted referendum which has created rifts across the political divide, the ANC boss said it should be Wanjiku-oriented but not meant to serve politicians.

WELCOME TO CENTRAL

Mr Kariuki, who said Mr Mudavadi is welcome to work with leaders from the region, took issues with central Kenya leaders whom he said have lost focus and asked them to come together.

Central Kenya, he said is solidly behind the President who is also the region’s kingpin and asked MPs from the region who have created different factions that have been pulling different ways to unite.

Mr Nginyo, who unsuccessfully vied for the Kiambu senatorial seat in 2013, has been complaining that majority of leaders from Jubilee, including those in central Kenya, have deserted the President and asked the party to take disciplinary action against leaders fighting Mr Kenyatta.

“When an elected member from the Jubilee Party rubbishes the fight against graft and the handshake which are being spearheaded by the President who is the party boss, they are directly fighting him. It is time the party comes out and disciplines members, especially the elected leaders as it appears there is no control as far as party loyalty is concerned,” Mr Nginyo said.