By John Majau
Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has said the country should avoid a presidential run-off. Mr Mudavadi and MPs Manyala Keya, Justus Kizito, Kioni and George Nyamweya urged presidential aspirants Uhuru Kenyatta, Kalonzo Musyoka, and William Ruto to support one presidential candidate.
They said a run-off is likely to plunge the country into chaos, tension, and divide the nation along tribal lines.
Speaking in Meru, Mudavadi said a run-off will also be too expensive for taxpayers who will have to cough the money to fund it, noting it must be avoided.
Mistrust and suspicion
Mudavadi addressed rallies at Makutano, Gitooro and Kaaga in Meru County while soliciting for the region’s votes.
“It is not a pleasant process; it will bring trouble and extra expenses apart from dividing the country along tribal lines,” said the DPM. Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni said reliable statistics and previous voting patterns indicate only an alliance between the two Deputy Prime Ministers (Uhuru and Mudavadi) can deny Raila a victory.
Mudavadi called on leaders, residents and other stakeholders to unite in advance behind a single candidate to face it off with Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
He said if the presidency is won convincingly during the first round, the over Sh6 billion that has been set aside for a run-off will be used on other development projects.
“A run-off will be new to Kenyans and we should ensure we finish the exercise in the first round without forcing us into extra-time because the delay will bring a lot of mistrust and suspicion,” said Mudavadi.
The five leaders said if the other contestants fail to unite and support a single candidate, they will give an open opportunity for Raila to win the General Election.
