Musalia Mudavadi's 'aloofness' might cost him dearly in 2032

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard]

Unfolding events in the Luhyaland put paid to the facade of unity among the Mulembe nation's top leadership. When William Ruto, then deputy president and contender in the 2022 presidential race, convinced Musalia Mudavadi (ANC) and Moses Wetangula (FORD-K) to join him in the Kenya Kwanza coalition, it appeared as if the Mulembe nation had resolved to pool resources and make a political statement.

Historically, the Bukusu of Bungoma County and the Maragoli of Vihiga County have harboured cultural mistrust that often spills into politics. While the Maragoli have a proclivity for being pro-government, the Bukusu have mainly identified with the opposition, until last year when things changed.