Palaver

Many have noticed it and a lot more are talking about it. Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has found his lost voice in ODM at last. Twice he has declared he will fight PM Raila Odinga for the presidency ticket. Those in the know saying he is trying to embellish his political profile, away from the leaning-back politician he has always been, because he got wind Mr Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr William Ruto are shopping for someone to jointly back for President against Raila, just in case The Hague bogs them down, and he may just be the one. But they think he is too close to Raila so Mudavadi decided to shatter this perception.

What a difficult time to be VP Kalonzo Musyoka. If he stays away from Ruto and Uhuru, his critics will say he is too proud. When he goes into their homes they say he is positioning himself to take their votes if ICC frustrates their bid to run for President, by offering himself as their joint candidate. Palaver suspects even if Kalonzo, a staunch believer, prays for Ruto, you won’t miss someone saying the biggest miracle he seeks is the Kamatusa and Gema vote.

Eldoret North MP William Ruto has a way with words. But there is one problem with the man leading a new party whose clarion call is "Sema na Kutenda" (Say and do it). Though one of the pillars of his party is family values, he should tell Kenyans who he has in mind wherever he says "Shetani ashindwe, Amen". This is because it sets a bad precedent; borders on hate speech, and makes a mockery of religion.

And finally…

Because President Kibaki rarely ventures far from State House, Nairobi — unless he is out abroad or in Mombasa for Christmas, his security team have to forfeit night out allowances like those who protected and drove retired President Moi received. This January has been very ‘dry’, as Kibaki has not left State House except to fly out of the country on international duty. It is not surprising then that nowadays when it is learnt that Mzee will be leaving town, there is plenty of jostling for space in his motorcade with eyes on the pie at the end of the month!

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