MADVD-Ruto Coalition in the offing as OKA splits

 Amani National Congress party leader Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi on Sunday afternoon walked down the steps of the historic Bomas of Kenya to declare his Presidential bid in what he had christened as an “Earthquake” declaration. 

But just before he majestically walked to the full- to-capacity arena accompanied by his wife Tessie and their three children, the would-be earthquake had already indicated the direction it would take. United Democratic Alliance leaders thronged the venue in numbers bringing to an end a long-standing speculation that there was political bromance between Mr. Mudavadi and Dr William Ruto, the UDA party leader.

Dr Ruto walked in moments before his host made a jubilant entry into the hall that had now a mixture of green and yellow colours.

But even as this happened, two of the Mudavadi’s allies in the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) who had already arrived at the precincts of the meeting dramatically became the first victims of the earthquake. Wiper Democratic Movement party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his independence’s KANU counterpart Gideon Moi made a quick and dramatic U-turn decision and walked out in a huff. This, according to sources was allegedly after the duo learned that Deputy President William Ruto would be attending the function.

OKA Coffin

This literally nailed the OKA’s coffin, which has now split at the centre; Musyoka and Moi on one side while Mudavadi and Wetang’úla on the other side. Moi has been gravitating towards ODM leader Raila Odinga while Mr. Musyoka had a week ago vowed he would fly the OKA flag.  

Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo, who accompanied his boss Mr. Musyoka while leaving Bomas of Kenya was quoted telling NTV that they left the place because of differences in ideologies.  Estranged ODM presidential aspirant and businessman Jimmy Wanjigi who also left the event together with the OKA duo told reporters that they had come to congratulate Musalia and they were leaving since they had already done that.    

When Mudavadi took to the podium – and without mincing words castigated Uhuru Kenyatta’s led government over huge economic debt owed to Kenya, corruption, over-taxation, extrajudicial killings and backstabbing of country’s democracy among other vices ailing Kenya.

He hit out at the handshake duo- President Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga terming them as untrustworthy, declaring that he would not work with them ahead of the general elections.

“For avoidance of doubt let me state this in plain words: We may not know who is going with us or who will be our comrades-at-arms on this mission,” Mudavadi said.

He added, “But we know who they will not be. They will not be those who cannot be trusted, those whom you trust at your own risk.”

President Kenyatta has been reported to have made numerous efforts to woo the OKA principals to support his preferred successor Mr. Odinga. However, Mudavadi said he would not be forced to support Azimio la Umoja bandwagon which is led by Mr. Odinga. He tore apart the formation saying it was nothing nearer to a unity call.

“We will not go with Azimio when it comes to partnerships… Azimio is about the self-preservation of some cunning individuals,” Mudavadi averred.  

The former Vice President – an ally now turned-foe, termed Raila’s presidency as a State-sponsored project, saying his former boss had lost direction, was self-centred and had nothing to offer to Kenyans.

Body language

As the ANC boss vowed to never work with his former NASA co-principal Raila, it was evident that all systems were set for him to open doors to DP Ruto. His presence, that of his UDA lieutenants including governors, lawmakers and aspirants and his body language was a clear indication that a coalition between the two principals was already in the offing. This was cemented by ANC’s Secretary General Simon Kamau who read the resolution that the party which resolved to have pre and post-election pacts.

“ANC will be seeking partnerships on the journey that we are now embarked on. There is no shortage of friends of goodwill and good intent to partner with,” Mudavadi said.

DP Ruto left nothing to chance when he revealed that the two leaders have been having discussions towards a coalition. He further said the two leaders will hold joint meetings in Rift Valley, Western and Central regions this week.

The event was also graced by Ford Kenya Leader and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangúla Moses Wetang’ula as well as Tujibibe Wakenya party boss William Kabogo who pledged to work with Mudavadi ahead of the general elections.

Mudavadi a former Finance Minister in the Late President Daniel Moi’s government among other promises, pledged to “resuscitate the economy once he ascends to power” after the August 9 polls through ‘Uchumi Bora, Pesa Mfukoni’ strategy. He said the nation’s economy was already on its deathbed and he was the best suited candidate to bring it back to life.    

STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT, EDITED By MUSYOKA NGUI