We'll not impose 2017 flag bearer, says Musalia Mudavadi

Amani Coalition leader Musalia Mudavadi (left) addresses the Press at Party Headquarters in Nairobi on  29/09/2015 alongside Secretary General Godfrey Osotsi and Machakos Traders Chairman Herbert Muganda (centre). [PHOTO/DAVID NJAAGA]

Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi has ruled out the possibility of reaching boardroom decisions with leaders from Western Kenya to endorse one person as the region’s flag bearer in the 2017 General Election.

Mudavadi said holding boardroom meetings would deny residents a chance to be involved in decision making.

“Going into boardrooms to choose one of us will be imposing on our people a policy of exclusion in serious matters that want their input. It is against their democratic rights,” said the ANC leader.

 Speaking at Mululu in Vihiga County when he met youths on Sunday afternoon, he said everyone in the region is free to declare their interest in the presidency without being blocked, warning that creating a national brand would not be achieved in a single day.

Already, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula of Ford Kenya has declared interest in vying for the presidency in 2017.

Mudavadi said the move by the 42 MPs from the region to appoint the Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary General Francis Atwoli to unite different politicians was welcome.

try once

A fortnight ago, the MPs led by the Western Parliamentary Caucus Secretary General Malulu Injendi and Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi endorsed Mr Atwoli to unite rebel leaders from the region.

Mudavadi said the Luhya region had grown beyond producing presidential aspirants who only try once and then disappear in thin air.

“In this region, only former Vice President Wamalwa Kijana and Martin Shikuku tried once to be on the ballot and then lost hope of contesting altogether. I am not ready to join the list of those who try once and lose hope,” he said.

The ANC party leader noted with concern that the community was divided, saying there was need to unite.