UDF to unveil line-up in week’s time

By ERIC LUNGAI

United Democratic Forum presidential aspirant Musalia Mudavadi is set to unveil his line-up on January 4.

Assistant minister George Khaniri said more than 6,000 delegates would converge at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to nominate the flag bearer.

“Delegates would assemble at Kasarani (Nairobi) on January 4 to nominate a presidential candidate,” said the Hamisi MP. “We will also unveil our running mate and Leader of Majority in Parliament and Senate.”

Addressing a crowd during celebrations to mark the Maragoli Cultural Festival, Khaniri said Mudavadi’s rivals should not underrate him.

Cabinet minister Soita Shitanda, Khaniri, MPs Justus Kizito and former MP Mark Too attended the ceremony that brought together more than 10,000 members of the Maragoli community across East Africa.

Talks with Kiraitu

Mudavadi, who signed a political deal with Kanu, is expected to give Kanu national chairman Gideon Moi the position of Leader of Majority in Senate.

Kanu Secretary-General Nick Salat attended a UDF rally at Nabongo grounds in Mumias on Monday and declared the party supported Mudavadi for president.

“I have been sent here by my chairman Gideon to declare our support for Mudavadi. We have entered into a deal with UDF and we would not denounce it the way those other leaders (Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto) did,” Salat said.

The source added that Mudavadi has initiated talks with Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi with a view of forging an alliance with his Alliance Party of Kenya.

Yusuf Chanzu, who was the host MP during the Mbale rally, said leaders from Western who were not with Mudavadi risk losing their bids.

“The Mudavadi political wave will sweep those found on the wrong side,” he added.

He told Prime Minister Raila Odinga he won’t win Mudavadi back to the Orange Democratic Movement.