NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 23- While it had been predicted that Amani National Congress leader and presidential hopeful Musalia Mudavadi would likely work with Deputy President William Ruto ahead of the August elections, it seems his colleagues at the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) either ignored or were simply caught off guard on Sunday.
This became clear during the ANC’S national delegation event at the Bomas of Kenya, where Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Kenya African National Union leader Gideon Moi had to make a quick dash out of the historic auditorium, minutes before DP Ruto made an entry.
Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula was left behind as well as former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo.
Both Musyoka and the KANU leader are seen as more inclined to the President Uhuru Kenyatta’s backed Azimio alliance.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is also the Orange Democratic Movement leader, is expected to fly the Azimo alliance flag, in his quest to succeed President Kenyatta.
During the event, Mudavadi used the platform to root for his candidature, saying the country was ripe for change.
He detailed potential areas where if elected he will explore, to revive the country’s ailing economy and create job opportunities for the millions of Kenyans who are jobless.
He also promised to protect the 2010 constitution, which he said was under constant attack.
“Democracy requires eternal vigilance,” Mudavadi said.
He lamented over what he said efforts to inhibit the very human rights that are guaranteed in the constitution.
“There is sinister counter-democracy insurgency creeping into our governance system.
Anti-people plots are afoot to curtail and defeat not only rights and freedoms, but also electoral democracy,” he said in a hard-hitting statement.
“These shenanigans are aimed at subverting free, fair, and verifiable elections by crippling political parties. There are shameful manoeuvres to assault and curtail Kenyans’ political rights to associate and freely choose their leaders.”
Mudavadi noted that “some shadowy elements are busy attempting to coerce, intimidate and impose handpicked leaders. This is a perilous road that can only lead to civil strife. The stability of this country is derived from the legitimacy bestowed through popular elections.”
If elected, he committed to support all Kenyans, including the ethnic minorities.
He pointed out, “It is embarrassing that 11 years since the Constitution 2010 was inaugurated, the constitutional provisions on ethnic minorities have not been implemented.”
“As Kenyans, ethnic minorities deserve equal treatment and must enjoy all the rights and privileges conferred on them by the Constitution.”
The ANC boss said minorities need protection, facilitation, and inclusion into processes of governance.
As a way to revive the country’s economy, Mudavadi said he will be exploring among other things ways of exploiting “the great potential” in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas of the country.”
“Most of the challenges are man-made and natural and can be resolved by man.
Resources in pastoralist counties are enormous, hence the importance to market ASALs as investment destinations,” he said.
Political pundits say Mudavadi’s move to work with DP Ruto towards the August presidential elections will be a game-changer, as politicians align themselves.
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