exited PM’s opponents
This is because it fits into the narrative that the PM is intolerant to criticism, and does not brook competition. Rivals have exploited this to portray the Langata MP as authoritarian. That Raila had a soft spot for Mudavadi was evident in that he had named him DPM and deputy party leader.
This infuriated Eldoret North MP, William Ruto, who felt he deserved the posts on account of ODM’s overwhelming support in Rift Valley. A second position of deputy party leader had to be created for Ruto to mollify him, but he eventually denounced the party.
Raila’s falling out with his deputy excited the Premier’s opponents, as it appeared to weaken ODM. Raila allies, however, argue the exits gave the PM the opportunity to pick new blood to work with.
But celebrations appear to be short-lived because Mudavadi’s presidential candidature now seems as much a problem to the G7 Alliance leaders as he was to Raila.
Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa was the first to show unease with the idea of Mudavadi orbiting towards the alliance he had joined.
Wamalwa was a sensation in Western, with his declaration to run for high office until Mudavadi rained on his parade. Association with other G7 leaders – Kalonzo, Uhuru, and Ruto – shored up Saboti MP’s popularity.
So sensational was his march that Cabinet Minister Soita Shitanda and Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale wooed Wamalwa to New Ford- Kenya after tussling with Trade Minister Moses Wetangula for Ford-Kenya’s leadership.
That Shitanda and Khalwale have since abandoned Wamalwa for Mudavadi explains how the latter has upset the equation in Western.
Instructively, at the weekend Wamalwa joined Jirongo, who has fought Mudavadi throughout his political life, for a joint rally at which they attacked Mudavadi, and Ruto as “State House projects”.
Wamalwa mocked Mudavadi’s record of seniority and experience, alleging it was tainted with the Goldenberg scandal. A day later, Mudavadi said it was laughable that one would take himself as a serious presidential aspirant yet he had been appointed minister “just the other day”.
While Wamalwa’s high profile role at the launch of Uhuru’s The National Alliance, gave the impression he could be the deputy PM’s running mate, Mudavadi’s march may yet spring up other surprises.
