Mudavadi has matured politically, here’s why

Amani National Congress Musalia Mudavadi, the man once described as the gentleman of Kenya’s politics has undergone total metamorphosis.

From a person who used to sit on laps of other politicians, the former VP is a man of his own. This is revealed in the new found assertive style of transacting politics. Political observers have attributed the drastic transformation to the woes that befell him in 2013 polls.

In the run up to the last General Election, Musalia was promised by the current top leadership that they will back him for presidency. That promise never materialised because the duo of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto dumped him.

Being a seasoned politician, Mudavadi learned valuable lessons from the unfortunate turn of events. He did a thorough soul searching and chose to revamp his political vehicle renaming it ANC from the former United Democratic Front (UDF). When the ANC began repositioning itself, many people dismissed Mudavadi as a spent force.

As the 2017 inched closer and parties started reorganising themselves, the Raila Odinga-led Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) needed fresh impetus to take on the politically dominant Jubilee Party. None other than Mudavadi had the capacity to re-energise the Raila-Kalonzo political machine.

Indeed, since joining the trio including Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula, the team has become more powerful. In addition, Mudavadi coining of the NASA political vessel cemented the unity among co-principals.

Kenyan electorate has reacted positively to the slogan. All these have brought out the tough and shrewd side of Mudavadi. I salute Mudavadi for the effort he has made to reform his image.