Musalia Mudavadi says he is not remorseful after losing in the presidential race

By RENSON BULUMA

BUSIA, KENYA: United Democratic Forum (UDF) party leader Musalia Mudavadi who unsuccessfully contested the 2013 presidential election on Amani Coalition ticket says he has no apologies to make for the loss.

Mudavadi, whose candidature for the top seat was perceived by many Cord supporters as a deliberate attempt to weaken former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's support in western region, maintained that he had a right to contest for the presidency just like any other candidate.

Mudavadi said that no individual should be denied an opportunity to exercise their democratic right of seeking elective position adding that such right must be protected by all.

He said he will be vying for the presidency in future elections notwithstanding Raila's participation.

"In a penalty shoot-out in football, teams are given five chances. I have only utilized one chance and still have four and Raila has utilized three chances and remains with two. God willing I will contest again," said Mudavadi.

Mudavadi who came a distant third in the election that saw Uhuru Kenyatta become the fourth president, said the 500000 votes he garnered was a clear manifestation of the goodwill he had from Kenyans.

The former Deputy Prime Minister was speaking at Madende primary school at the weekend during the home coming party of Nambale MP John Bunyasi. MPs Ababu Namwamba (Budalang’i), Paul Otuoma (Funyula), Michael Onyura (Butula), Yusuf Chanzu (Vihiga), Boniface Ochula(Bumula), Geoffrey Odanga (Matayos) and Ben Washiali(Mumias East) were present.

Others were Busia Senator Amos Wako, Busia Deputy Governor Kizito Wangalwa, Busia speaker Bernard Wamalwa and several members of the county assembly of Busia.

Otuoma and Namwamba said the unity of Luhya leaders and the community that is being sought by political leaders should not be aimed at isolating other communities or political parties but instead urged leaders from western to unite and work for the common good of the people.

"Leaders must take stock of themselves to identify where the problem is because being in different parties is not the problem," said Otuoma.

He added: "Mt Kenya region has been able to produce successive presidents despite the region having numerous small political parties."

Namwamba challenged Mudavadi to stop working as a 'lone ranger' and consider working again with Raila to enhance western Kenya region's chances of ascending to the presidency adding that working in isolation will only lead to failures.

But Mudavadi said that he is not opposed to working with anybody or any regional block so long as such unity is not aimed at undermining the ability of others.

"It is perfectly in order to work with other communities or regions. It should be done now and in future. But there is nowhere written that under such arrangement it should be another person to be the head and not a luhya like Musalia or Adungosi," said Mudavadi.

Bunyasi said he will work closely with all the leaders both the county and national level for the sake of unity and development.

Chanzu said said the region has good time to plan for the future after a reality check from the Jubilee government which he has side-lined people from Western in all the government appointments.