Mudavadi move excites interest in Central Kenya

By Francis Ngige

Musalia Mudavadi's move to the United Democratic Forum (UDF) and his entry into the presidential race have created a new twist in Mt Kenya politics.

Having been the "unofficial" running mate of Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2002 General Election, Mudavadifs move drew interest from the region with some leaders describing it as wise.

And with the pending International Criminal Court case complicating issues for Uhuru, Mudavadi might step in as a compromise candidate to inherit Mt Kenya votes.

The residents of the region keenly followed his announcement Wednesday, which was beamed live on all major television stations.

Allies

Of interest to the locals is the fact that Uhuru allies such as Jeremiah Kioni, Nderitu Mureithi, Nelson Gaichuhie, and Njoroge Baiya attended the launch at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

"We hope that Mudavadi is going to team up with Uhuru and (William) Ruto to form a formidable group that would win the presidency," said Moses Wachira, a taxi driver.

Wachira said Mudavadi's trait of humility, was a strong selling point for him in the region, which supports Uhuru.

Mwea MP Peter Gitau welcomed Mudavadi's announcement saying it had raised the stakes in the race to State House. "He is viewed as sober, and the Mt Kenya people can decide that he is the best bet to succeed President Kibaki," said Gitau.

The MP said in Uhuru's absence, Mudavadi would be easier to sell in the region compared to other presidential aspirants. "If by any chance Uhuru is not going to run, but we still believe he would be on the ballot, then Mudavadi is the better option," said Gitau.

Former Gatanga MP David Murathe said the decision by Mudavadi to resign, as Minister for Local Government was a bold move, which told the kind of person he is. "We welcome and respect his decision. It is upon Kenyans to decide the person they want as president," said Murathe.

Ndaragwa MP, who has been associated with UDF, said Mudavadi had a right to seek votes from any part of the country. "When UDF was formed it was to mark a break with the past. The party belongs to Kenyans and we expect that it is the same Kenyans who choose their leaders," said Kioni.

Too early

Kinangop MP David Ngugi was measured in his response, saying it was too early to tell whether Mudavadi's move would have an impact on the Mt Kenya region.

Ngugi said the significant impact of Mudavadi's move to UDF was on the Orange Democratic Movement, where he was deputy party leader. He said for it to have any impact on the region Uhuru needs to be involved.

"It can only be significant in the Central region if Uhuru gives it a nod or teams up with Mudavadi. That way, the people would know the political direction," said Ngugi.

A Nyeri leader Kamau Gatwechi said it was high time that the G7 leaders teamed up with Mudavadi to get any realistic chances of winning the presidency. UDF was formed in April ahead of the PNU Alliance and promises a change in the country's politics.

"UDFP is creating a fundamental restructuring of Kenya's political economy, to make it relevant to the needs of all 40 million of us," states the party on its official website.