Mudavadi cautions on formation of coalitions

By Onesmas Nzioka

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned that crafting coalition deals on the basis of individuals or communities could plunge the country into ethnic conflict.

The United Democratic Forum presidential aspirant said fear should not be the guide in forming coalitions. “We suddenly seem to be in a panic mode. We must be careful not to drown the country,” he said.

Speaking during meet-the-people stops at Wote town, Kilala, Mukuyuni, Kivaani and Kola in Makueni County, and in Machakos town, Mudavadi said some leaders had condemned the Grand Coalition Government and vowed never to form coalitions again but are now at the forefront of rushing to secure deals to ascend to power.

“Whereas there is nothing wrong with coalitions, those based on convenience of individuals could balkanise the country in ethnic animosity and result in conflict. I, therefore, invite Kenyans to critically question the current trend. The talk about what percentage of government a coalition partner will hold reveals that some people have already pre-determined that the country belongs to certain individuals to share,” said Mudavadi.

He posed: “Where then is the guarantee that Kenyans will have an opportunity to democratically elect their government?”

He said the law provides for pre- and post-elections coalition, saying he welcomes coalition making in fidelity with the law and on the basis of convergence on policy agenda and to ensure a peaceful and stable country.

“We cannot create coalitions under clouds of suspicion and ethnic engineering. We must consider the national interest first, and that of stability,” he said.

Appeal

He added: “I appeal to Kenyans to be very careful about hurriedly crafted coalitions. We must have proper policy bringing us together because of the experience we have had. We cannot afford to have a government built on shaky ground.”

The DPM was hosted by former Makueni MP Peter Maundu and was accompanied by MPs Jeremiah Kioni, George Khaniri, Yusuf Chanzu, and Boni Khalwale.

“Kenyans must reject the decision of few who sit in boardrooms to share positions. You can decide who to vote for and vote for a Kenyan, not a community leader at the next election,” said Kioni.

Maundu said: “Let us come out of villages and join Kenyan politics. This man (Mudavadi) has shown he is a man who can help at this time of need. He is a Kenyan leader.”

At the same time, Mudavadi appealed to the Uganda Government to reconsider the decision to pull its troops out of Somalia.

“The international community should also understand the delicate Somalia problem and not link what is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Somalia. The solutions are different,” he said.