When he quit ODM a few
months ago, deputy prime minister Musalia Mudavadi was a man who apparently
must have harbored high hopes. With both Uhuru Kenyatta and Wiliam Ruto then
staring at the stark possibility of being barred from the race to State House,
Mudavadi’s bet was certainly that he was the best candidate to steals the
thunder from Prime Minister Raila Odinga. However, things seem to have changed
so fast within such a short span of time. Justus Kizito, MP Shinyalu who is
close ally of the Deputy Prime Minister never minces hiss words. He reveals,
“We are aware of the tricks being employed and so is our leader (Mudavadi) let
the so called powerful individual behind UDF know that we are not short of
political ideas to advance our course.”
His sentiments are
perhaps echoed by ODM nominated councilor Joseph Bukachi who is now allied to
Mudavadi’s UDF party who says Uhuru insistence to contest for the presidency
puts Mudavadi at crossroads and could render the Sabatia MP’s quest a mere pipe
dream. “When Mudavadi left ODM he was sure that he would get the support of
Uhuru among other leaders in his ambition to lead the country. But with the
latest developments it would appear that
he was duped to leave his former party for the support that would never
be,” says councilor.
Another reliable source
confided to the Pilipili weekly that Uhuru who is The National Alliance (TNA)
party leader is determined to be on the ballot paper come what may. It is this
obstinate ground that has crippled the formula for “a formidable force” to face
off with a ODM’s Raila Odinga.
“Uhuru believes that he
is at the better position to succeed President Kibaki as he retires after the
constitutional bound of ten years at the helm. Though he has a serious case of
crimes against humanity at the ICC, his reasoning is that he will have higher
bargaining if elected,” say the source who did not want his identity revealed.
Mudavadi was widely viewed as the alternative candidate especially to central Kenya after
Uhuru was charged by the ICC. Ruto who us equally facing the ICC has ambitions
for the presidency. He has been steadfast moving across the country drumming up
support for the URP party.
Political analyst
Kipkoech Murkomen says the URP leader is strategizing his party for majority
seats in the National Assembly as well as the Senate. He says if he achieves
this feat, it will give him a super bargain in the two tiers of parliament
especially when vetting cabinet and public appointments, passing constitutional
bills and government business as well as impeaching the president.