ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi’s surprise announcement that he will support Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula’s presidential bid has been met with reservations.
A section of leaders from Western Kenya believe Mudavadi made the announcement knowing very well that Mr Wetang’ula’s chances of winning the CORD ticket for the 2017 elections are minimal.
Mudavadi’s plan, they say, is to ask Wetang’ula to return the favour when he fails to land the CORD ticket.
Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi, a key Wetang’ula ally, told The Standard on Sunday that the former Vice President should support the Ford Kenya leader in his quest to win the CORD ticket.
“Mudavadi should not wait for the CORD nominations to support Wetang’ula, he should join us now to enhance our chances of getting the ticket,” said the Bungoma County Ford Kenya chairman.
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Speaking last weekend, the ANC leader said he was ready to put his presidential ambitions on hold and support Wetang'ula, but only if he wins the CORD ticket.
But MPs John Bunyasi (Nambale) and Ayub Savula (Lugari) believe Wetang’ula will not win the Opposition coalition’s ticket and should forge his own path.
“Mudavadi knows Wetang’ula cannot be CORD’s presidential candidate. I also cannot see that happening,” said Bunyasi.
Savula said Ford Kenya will never win against ODM in a contest for the presidential ticket.
“Wetang’ula will not clinch the ticket. Mudavadi clearly understands the system of nomination in CORD. ODM has structures in the entire country. That coalition will crash at the nomination stage,’’ said Savula.
But Ford Kenya remained adamant and exuded confidence that Wetang’ula will win the CORD presidential ticket.
Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa welcomed Mudavadi’s gesture and asked other leaders from the region to back Wetang’ula.
Political seniority
“We are happy with the unfolding events. It is a new dawn and the journey has just started. We welcome other leaders to also support Wetang’ula’s presidential race in 2017,’’ said the Kiminini MP.
Wamalwa is confident that his party boss will get the CORD presidential ticket.
Kibisu Kabatesi, the ANC leader’s spokesman, said Mudavadi was extending his support to Wetang’ula in good faith.
“Mudavadi was simply saying, my brother Wetang’ula I have worked with leaders in CORD and I know what happens there. There will be no white smoke and if there will be one, we will sit down as brothers and talk,’’ said Kabatesi.
Political pundit Barrack Muluka believes Mudavadi’s sentiments are genuine. “It is wise to indicate you are with your brother either way. That is what Mudavadi meant. Mudavadi has worked closely with ODM and he knows Wetang’ula will not be endorsed by CORD,’’ said Muluka.
According to the political analyst, the Luhya community will support Wetang’ula if he wins the CORD ticket, but believes that in terms of political seniority, Mudavadi has earned his recognition.
“Politics is the art of possibilities. Eventually one candidate from the region will stand and should that happen, wisdom dictates that Wetang’ula leaves for Mudavadi. There is no sense of struggling to oppose that,’’ said Muluka.
His sentiments were supported by Wamunyinyi, who wants the region to rally behind one candidate.
“United, our bargaining strength will be higher. Divided, it is difficult to secure our interests adequately. Consultations are on-going to see how best we can work and strategise,’’ he said.
Crowded race
Savula also believes a crowded presidential race will hand President Uhuru Kenyatta victory.
“When we have Raila, Mudavadi, Wetangu’ula and Kalonzo on the ballot, Uhuru will have a highway to victory. We can only make an impact if Western, Nyanza and Eastern are on one side against Uhuru and his Deputy William Ruto,’’ he said.
