More allies of DP William Ruto met with ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi amid growing speculation of a possible political alliance between the two.
Just a day after Mudavadi held a meeting with Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, he held another meeting with several Ruto allies from Western Kenya led by Sirisia MP John Waluke.
Mudavadi was also set to meet with Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and his Mumias counterpart Ben Washiali.
Waluke said they discussed national politics, among other issues.
"It was just a lunch hour meeting and as politicians, they must have talked many issues over what is going on in the country," Waluke's aide said.
Mudavadi has been camping at his Mudavadi Centre for a series of meetings with political and religious leaders, besides holding discussions with representatives from other sectors.
The former deputy PM is also scheduled to meet with more leaders from the Rift Valley region in the coming weeks.
Sources say Mudavadi is keen on uniting Western Kenya through meetings with leaders from the region.
When contacted for comment on the meeting with Mandago, Mudavadi said he had in the recent past met separately with more than 100 leaders from all spheres of life, including non-politicians, and his focus is rebuilding Kenya.
“Right now we have very many challenges, which Kenyans are going through, and we have to discuss as Kenyans how we can move forward. Time for politics will come,” Mudavadi said.
In the Rift Valley, Mandago, who has been playing middle-ground politics, is lately a close ally of DP William Ruto.
“I held discussions with ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi on various issues ranging from national, regional and the current Covid-19 pandemic. As one of Kenya’s respected economists, we touched on the economic recovery strategy after the pandemic,” Mandago said.
Sources indicated that the DP may have dispatched Mandago to meet Mudavadi over a future political deal.
Political strategist Kipkorir arap Birgen said the meeting came at a time when the DP is facing tough times in Jubilee and Mandago had just spent two days with the DP in Nairobi before the move was made.
“Careful observers can read between the lines and think of the possibility that Ruto may be courting Mudavadi through his allies like Mandago or it could also be true that the DP is considering other political options considering his position in Jubilee and the political situation in the country,” Birgen said.
An MP close Ruto ally said they had all options on the table, including backing Mudavadi for the presidency in 2020 if things do not work out for the DP.
Alternatively, the two could enter into a political deal considering expected constitutional changes through the BBI process.
“The Kalenjin community has very close ties with Mudavadi family and the Lunya community since the time of Moi and it's not farfetched to think of a political deal between us,” said the MP on condition of anonymity.
Youth leader Joseph Chumba said Kalenjins are solidly behind Ruto regardless of the unfolding political situation in the country and that the community is also alive to the need to work with other communities and sober leaders like Mudavadi.
"Mudavadi is also an easy sale in Rift Valley than any other political leader at the moment. In the current situation, he has come out as a principled person not easily being swayed,” Chumba said.
During the 2017 General Election, opposition chiefs, including Mudavadi and ODM leader Raila Odinga, endorsed Mandago's reelection at a rally in 64 Stadium, Eldoret.
Mandago went on to defeat businessman Bundotich Buzeki in a close and titanic race for the governor position.
Recently, Mandago has been extensively quoted urging Kenyans and leaders not to have hardline positions in politics.
"Don't harbour deep political feelings in your heart because it will kill you. Politics should be in your lungs so that when you breathe, it goes out without any difficulty," Mandago said.
Mandago said he is among those who fought hard against Raila in the last polls but was surprised that the opposition chief was now a frequent State House visitor.
"That is when I decided not to harbour strong political feelings and always remain free in politics so that when things change, I don't get shocked," Mandago argued.
Mudavadi has dismissed as untrue reports that he was to sign a coalition with Jubilee, noting that ANC is still a member of NASA and cannot be in two coalitions as per the law.
The ANC leader has met President Uhuru Kenyatta several times since last year, sparking speculation that he was to join the government. He has, however, insisted that his main interest at the moment is to see the country’s economy thriving to benefit Kenyans.
“Mudavadi has the best skills, strategies and experience to manage our economy and that is why as ANC and most Kenyans believe, he is the leader for this country,” Lugari MP Ayub Savula said.
He said the party had given Mudavadi the blessings to go out and seek alliances with other Kenyans as he focuses on succeeding President Kenyatta in 2022.
"Mudavadi can make a very good President. He is a sober leader and one who will do the job. Not learning on the job" said Jeremy Kiptoo, an ANC supporter in Eldoret.
THE STAR
Comments
Post a Comment