- By Mark Wamwoyo
Musalia Mudavadi’s landmark decision to join forces with Deputy President William Ruto comes as the best bargain for the Mulembe Nation ahead of the August 2022 polls.
Mudavadi, who arguably stands as one of the country’s sober-minded leaders, declared on January 23, 2022 at the Bomas of Kenya his presidential ambition in a detailed speech just after receiving the endorsement from his ANC party.
During the yearly ANC National Delegates Convention, the former Deputy Prime Minister confidently graced the occasion he termed Kenya’s political earthquake, whilst chanting the Swahili phrase tusidanganyane (let’s not deceive one another) while throwing tantrums at his perceived political opponents, Orange Democratic leader (ODM) Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The “earthquake”, consequently, brought division in the OKA fraternity, which saw KANU leader Gideon Moi, Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka and presidential aspirant Jimmy Wanjigi all flee the long-awaited address after it was evident that DP William Ruto and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) would attend.
In his speech, Mudavadi said that he has no political enemies and he is willing to work with anyone, but not with his opponents from Raila’s Azimio la Umoja camp. Through this, Mudavadi stood as a real Luhya man who was tired of Raila’s continued manipulation. He proved that he was ready to find his way forward.
Why does this matter a lot to the Mulembe nation?
Mudavadi’s speech is a wake-up call for the people of Mulembe and all Kenyans to reconsider their choices. For the first time in the history of Kenya, a leader has taken his time to boldly highlight the injustices, corruption and increased public debt that have rendered their lives intolerable.
For sure, the Luhya’s need a quick response to the cause of action in the political environment right now because, for them to beat the likes of DP William Ruto and Raila Odinga, they need numbers. The numbers will only come when the likes of COTU boss Francis Atwoli, Lugari MP Ayub Savula and other Luhya leaders come together to support the homegrown candidate and consolidate votes under one basket.
Why is it so easy for the likes of Atwoli to support Raila and not Mudavadi? Why is it so simple for Savula to abandon ANC in favor of the new DAP-K?Should Luhya’s forever remain captives of others, or should they send a message of independence?
We all know how powerful the Deputy President is when it comes to national support. He supported Raila in the 2007 election, which slipped away from him (Raila). He stood with President Uhuru in 2013 and 2017, winning.
Therefore, if Luhyas strike a good bargain with Ruto for him to support Mudavadi, then it will be good for them because Musalia is a neutral leader who firmly believes in the truth, so it will be a win for all Kenyans.
- Edited by Sam Oduor
Mark Wamwoyo is the legal and administrative officer at the Western Kenya Times. He writes special columns on the political and social affairs of the people of Western Kenya.
Great minds at work…. Keep up big buddy!!