No formal agreement
Through his spokesman, Kibisu Kabatesi, Mudavadi flatly refuted claims he is being fronted by others. “The Deputy PM is not in the presidential race at the invitation of State House or those in the so-called G7 grouping,” he wrote.
Saturday, Mudavadi and Mr Cyrus Jirongo clashed during a burial ceremony in Lugari constituency. This after the Lugari MP claimed Mudavadi’s UDF party, Ruto’s URP and Uhuru’s TNA were among six parties sponsored by State operatives to divide key communities.
The Government is sponsoring six political parties to field presidential candidates to divide communities with many voters,” Jirongo claimed. “I am having problems with Ruto in URP because he is a project.”
Jirongo said locals should forget about UDF, adding he was ready to sit with Mudavadi and Wamalwa to agree on a single candidate from western Kenya.
Mr Mudavadi dismissed this as propaganda.
“Jirongo, why are you scared of my candidature?” he asked. “If you feel that you are popular don’t fear UDF. If I am making you worried, then it means that you are not a serious contender for the top seat.”
The leaders were speaking during the burial of Mzee Livingstone Tumba Kibunguchi, the father of former Lugari MP Dr Enock Kibunguchy at Makindu village Saturday.
Eugene’s next move is being watched closely. According to our sources, the same G7 leader who gave him the ‘jipange’ warning has reportedly advised the Justice minister to look for a political home away from the “arrogant G-7 leadership”.
The Saboti MP’s allies remain tight-lipped as to whether he is headed towards Raila or Kalonzo’s corners or if he will run an independent campaign.
The PM’s spokesman, Dennis Onyango says there is no formal agreement between Eugene and PM to work together “but, politically, the Odingas and Wamalwas have a long history”.
