Mudavadi out but where to?

By Steve Mkawale and Roselyne Obala

Pressure grew on Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi to quickly identify a party to decamp to following his meeting with select MPs from Western Province on Tuesday.

The unanimous message from the meeting was that the DPM is running out of time, and must make a firm decision on his choice of party sooner rather than later. After the meeting at Nairobi’s Mayfair hotel, Mudavadi gave

firm indications he was quitting the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, saying his resolve to contest for the presidency remains.

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi addresses Kenyans after meeting MPs from western Kenya at the Mayfair Hotel, Nairobi. [Photo: Wilberforce Okwiri/ Standard]

Sources told The Standard four cabinet ministers and 14 MPs at the breakfast meeting warned Mudavadi his ‘‘indecisiveness’’ did not reflect well on him.

"All other presidential aspirants have political parties, Mudavadi will be leaving ODM to where?" posed one cabinet minister during the meeting that lasted roughly two and half hours.

It emerged that Mudavadi’s strategy is to cement his footing in Western Province and become the region’s undisputed choice for State House.

Mudavadi declared on Tuesday that his name would be on the presidential ballot in the coming general election.

"My resolve to be a presidential candidate remains. Kenyans must have options of leaders. My ongoing consultations will continue and it is not confined to Western Kenya. I will engage other leaders from various parts of the country before making any announcements," said Mudavadi.

But sources at the meeting told The Standard Mudavadi was advised to pick a party quickly even as he tries to solidify the Luhya vote behind him, before formally ditching ODM and party leader Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

select group

The select group of 18 MPs met the Local Government minister at the Mayfair Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi, but the names of Western Province MPs who did not attend was just as conspicuous.

Those present included Alfred Sambu, and ministers Noah Wekesa, Moses Wetangula, Soita Shitanda, Wycliffe Oparanya, together with assistant ministers George Khaniri, Manyala Keya and Sylvester Wakoli.

Others MPs were Eseli Simiyu (Kimilili), Bonny Khalwale (Ikolomani) Chris Okemo (Nambale), David Were (Matungu), Benjamin Washiali (Mumias), Justus Kizito (Shinyalu), Evans Akula (Kwhisero) and Yusuf Chanzu (Vihiga).

Significantly absent were Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa and his close associate, nominated MP Musikari Kombo, as well as Regional Development minister Fred Gumo (Westlands) and Cyrus Jirongo (Lugari).

Others who did not attend were Youth and Sports minister Paul Otuoma, Labour assistant minister Sospeter Ojaamong, MPs Wilbur Otichilo (Emuhaya) and Alfred Odhiambo (Butula).

Assistant minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Alfred Khangati (Kanduyi) and Ababu Namwamba (Budalangi) were not invited.

Otuoma was said to have sent his apologies as did Ojaamong, Otichilo and Odhiambo.

The Sabatia MP said he would continue engaging with leaders from other regions, among them Charity Ngilu of Narc and former ODM Pentagon member Najib Balala in his quest for the Presidency.

On Saturday, Mudavadi will be in his base of Kakamega to meet civic leaders from the region before announcing his next political party.

Sources said that Sambu proposed that Mudavadi should have gone for the top seat on an ODM ticket.

"The DPM still has a chance to advance his presidency bid through ODM," said Sambu.

Information assistant minister George Khaniri and Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu remained optimistic that after the Saturday meeting with stakeholders in Kakamega, they would arrive at a suitable conclusion.

None of the leaders hinted at any possible favorable party for the moment, with Khaniri insisting they were still in ODM.

healthy speculation

"It is healthy to speculate which way to go after ODM. We will, however, take a decision when the right time comes," stated the minister on phone.

He said they were consulting widely and would reconvene and take a stand.

"After the successful meeting with MPs today (Tuesday), we are heading to the grassroots to reach out to civic leaders and other stakeholders to get views and options," he added.

Chanzu said that during the meeting, they tried to forge unity as a community.

"We are trying to become a united group. The meeting is healthy and of benefit to us a community," he explained.

The Vihiga MP said they were trying to speak with one voice and support a presidential candidate from Western region.

"If we support an individual, it will be beneficial to the people and the country as a whole," Chanzu added.

Sources said Dr Noah Wekesa asked the MPs to speak as one because the most successful candidate will have to get the support of other parties.

"History might repeat itself. The person to be elected the next president of Kenya will get the support from all the political parties," said Wekesa.

So far ministers Wamalwa, Wetangula, Wakoli and Jirongo have declared their interest to run for presidency from the region.

Wetangula was said to have been upbeat about the new developments, but asked the leaders to work as a team.

He also requested they listen to party leaders to harness all ideas as they move forward.

"We need to move as a team, have adequately consultations and listen to issues raised by those leading political parties," Wetangula said.

Chanzu reiterated that their major priority now is unity before settling on a party of choice.

"We are scouting as we weigh our options. It is good to take time than to rush and regret later," he said.

The MP said the want to engage all stakeholders and the public and avoid sideshows.

"So far, the feedback we have received is overwhelming and this is very helpful. We do not want to find ourselves in a fix, but to try and make the decision as the people of Western (Province)," said Chanzu.

At the meeting, some MPs claimed ODM had mistreated some leaders and given preference to others.

Oparanya told the meeting he would go to the Prime Minister to find out why Mudavadi is being pushed out.

"I will consult with the Prime Minister to know why we are being treated this way," said Oparanya.

"We should use this forum to endorse the flag bearer from this region," said Wakoli.

Offer

New Ford Kenya MPs, including Khalwale, asked Mudavadi to join their party, arguing it has huge following in Western Province.

Although most of the leaders who attended the meeting remained tight-lipped on their deliberations, Mudavadi is said to have asked the MPs to give him more time to consult other leaders from outside the province before making his move.

Mudavadi fell out with PM Raila over a clause in its constitution that makes the party leader the automatic presidential flag-bearer.

Sources further said the meeting also discussed how to bring on board Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa and other elected leaders from the region to back Mudavadi’s presidential ambitions.

"Our main objective is to ensure that those other leaders from the region who have declared their interests in the presidency, like Wamalwa, Wetangula and Wakoli can rally behind Mudavadi and speak in one voice," said one MP who spoke on condition of anonymity.