CORD and Jubilee in scramble for Mudavadi ahead of 2017 election

AMANI leader Musalia Mudavadi (left) with COTU Sec. Gen. Francis Atwoli during the Khwisero Girls Secondary school's fundraiser organized by COTU on August 20th, 2016 to buy a school bus. Leaders present accepted to form a unity of purpose which will see one candidate named a flag bearer from the region. Mudavadi said he is ready to work with any opposition party or coalition to form a formidable team that will win the next general election against the ruling Jubilee. Oparanya on his part said he will support Mudavadi's presidential bid if he would emerge the best among those in CORD coalition. [Photo:Chrispen Sechere/Standard].

Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi appears to be the man of the moment. In  western Kenya, his presidential candidature was the subject of discussion this weekend as rival coalitions tried to woo him to their side.

CORD co-principal Moses Wetang’ula welcomed the decision by Mr Mudavadi to join hands with the coalition to dethrone President Uhuru Kenyatta but warned him against seeking to be declared the Opposition’s presidential flag bearer.

Wetang’ula, who was speaking in Cherangany in Trans Nzoia County,  added: “We are happy Mudavadi has realised the need to work with us towards the common political goal but he should not demand or declare himself the opposition’s flag bearer. I have a better chance and he should back me,” he said.

At the same time, Kakamega Governor and ODM Deputy Leader Wycliffe Oparanya added: “We are in discussion with Mudavadi. I have met him twice and we have left discussions open for a possible reunion.”

MATURED POLITICALLY

He said he will support Mudavadi’s candidature because he has matured politically and is a sober and shrewd leader capable of leading Kenya.

The governor reiterated his support for Mudavadi during a fund-raiser organised by Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) boss Francis Atwoli at Emalindi Secondary School in Khwisero sub-county at the weekend.

Mudavadi nonetheless seems to be warming up to CORD already and he has indicated his willingness to work with Raila Odinga, a one-time ally.

He has, however, dismissed any possibility of working with Jubilee.

“I am still in the race for presidency. I need your support as a community to realise that dream,” said the ANC leader.

Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, however, continued to put on a spirited fight to woo Mudavadi to the Jubilee side during a fund-raiser in aid of Mavusi Secondary School in Malava.

“We thought our senior brother and CORD co-principal Moses Wetang’ula would give Mudavadi a warm welcome in the Opposition coalition but from the look of things, he (Wetang’ula) has shown some reservations. This meaning our brother Mudavadi is not welcome in there,” said Mr Wamalwa.

He tore into Wetang’ula, describing him as insincere and appealed to Mudavadi to make an about-turn and join Jubilee “where there is a ready place prepared for him to sit together with President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.”

Wamalwa said he was ready to usher Mudavadi into the Government.

“As a senior son of Western in Jubilee, I am ready to welcome Mudavadi so that western region becomes part of the Government after the 2017 elections,” said Wamalwa.

THREE DRIVERS

He likened Jubilee party to a bus that is about to leave the station with President Uhuru as the driver, unlike CORD which whose vehicle cannot depart because its three drivers can’t agree on who to take charge.

The CS is seen as the Jubilee pointman in western, alongside Governor Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma), Moses Akaranga (Vihiga) and a host of MPs from the region.

And speaking at a fund-raiser that brought together several leaders from western, Mr Atwoli said some leaders from the region were busy scheming to sell out the community.

The trade unionist pointed out that Mudavadi, Wetang’ula and former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirong’o had limited time to name one among them to run for the top seat. He said if they do not do so soon, he would be forced to name one on their behalf.

“As an elder, I must take full responsibility. We have seen many leaders walking around purporting to join this or that political party. You are free to go wherever you want to. We are watching every move of each one of us but the time will come when the truth will be brought on the table and don’t blame anybody if you find yourself alone,” Atwoli said.

Wamalwa cautioned Atwoli, saying the quest to unite Luhya leaders was not a walk in the park.

“Such a move failed before and Mzee Atwoli must brace hard for the work that lies ahead,” he said.

Lugari MP Ayub Savula attacked Wetang’ula, saying he should not have ignored Atwoli’s invitation to the fund-raiser and talks.

Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba, who has been championing the so-called ‘third force’, noted that the region had started gaining respect.