The now decade long political dalliance between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi at the apex of national politics has been underscored by fluid, contradictory and occasionally mutually supportive experiences.
In the 2013 succession politics at the end of retired president Mwai Kibaki’s two term tenure, Kenyatta, then presidential aspirant had considered to cede his ambitions in favour of Mudavadi but later dropped the idea and attributed the same to “demonic” spirits.
Mudavadi has since merged forces with Deputy William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) bandwagon formerly Tangatanga that president Kenyatta has openly accused of derailing the government agenda.
Before the announcement of the Ruto-Mudavadi and Senator Moses Wetangula of Ford Kenya made public their new political formation, Mudavadi was openly critical of the DP accusing him of corrupt dealings, dishonest fundraisers in churches and sabotaging government from within.
Mudavadi’s move is said to have been prompted after the promise, made in January 2021 at the burial of his mother, Hannah Mudavadi, however this became invalid sometimes last year after the President gave indications that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga was his choice for a successor.
Despite his handshake deal with ODM leader Raila Odinga, the President is reported to have given the ANC leader an undertaking that he could anoint him as his successor, but only if he could hold together political parties that were constituent members of the National Super Alliance (Nasa).
Mudavadi hit back at the President after he expressed his disappointment over the move to join Deputy William Ruto band wagon.
Kenyatta uttered his disappointment with ANC boss for teaming up with his estranged deputy as he laid out an elaborate fight back plan.
“They have gone astray because they would have benefitted more if they agreed to work with Raila. Kenyans will be safer under a Raila’s presidency than the other people they are rushing to,” Kenyatta told the delegation of Maa community and Mount Kenya Foundation.
“Ni kupotea wamepotea. Wangalifaidika sana kama wangalibaki na Raila. Wakenya watakuwa kwa mikono mizuri chini ya uongozi wa Raila kuliko hao watu wengine wanaowakimbilia.”
Musalia, who is accompanying Ruto on charm offensive in various parts of the country said Kenyans are more dissatisfied with the president’s governance.
He created a description of Kenya as a failed state, citing corruption, disrespect for the rule of law and clawed back gains in democracy, all which he blamed on the President.
“President, you have a right to be disappointed with me. But I want to tell you: Kenyans are even more disappointed in you. They are hungry, they are tired. Let’s not lie to each other,” he said.
Mudavadi was categorical that he would not partner with Azimio La Umoja movement that is being championed by his political friend-turned-enemy Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the ANC stand, which I am privileged to pronounce, is that the spectre called Azimio is not an option when it comes to partnerships. This is not an Azimio or about unity,” said Mudavadi.
ANC has so far had defectors who chose shift their political allegiance and quit their party including Vihiga Senator George Khaniri and the MP for Teso North in Busia Oku Kaunya also decamped. This leaves the former vice-president with only Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malalah and Mwale, besides Malava MP Malulu Injendi who was, however, elected on Jubilee Party.
Pundits contend that Mudavadi’s political future looks shaky considering the political capital he is offering within his new formation amid defections of leaders in droves from in support of Raila’s led Azimio La Umoja movement.