Mudavadi move could trigger exodus from UDF

Former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has formally taken over Amani National Congress (ANC) headquarters in Nairobi’s Lavington and branded it with ANC colours.

ANC Secretary General Godfrey Osotsi told The Standard on Saturday that Mudavadi’s move to dump United Democratic Forum (UDF) is set to trigger an exodus of his allies and supporters to ANC in coming weeks and months, turning the new outfit into a formidable mass movement ahead of the 2017 General Election.

ANC has made public its main objectives, structures, policies, rules and vision, which it argues are based on global best practices in political party management.

Mr Osotsi described Mudavadi’s move as bold and indicative of his serious stab at the presidency. “Expect an exodus from UDF now that the main person has shifted officially. UDF elected leaders remain technically in that party but we know most of them will cross over to ANC at the right time,” he said.

UDF Secretary General and former Shinyalu MP Justus Kizito, who is a close ally of Mudavadi, said an exodus from the party to ANC was inevitable.

Mudavadi tendered his resignation from UDF, with effect from June 3. The former deputy premier, who vied for presidency on a UDF in 2013, said he quit the party to fully concentrate on building ANC and make it a formidable political movement.

“I kindly thank you for having allowed me to be a member of your party. I wish the party well in its future endeavours,” stated Mudavadi in his resignation letter dated June 2.

Come 2017, he said, he would contest the presidency on an ANC ticket after broad consultations with the broader Amani family of MCAs, MPs and supporters. Insiders say Mudavadi quit UDF to avoid falling victim to the confusion that befell him in 2013, when he had no party of his own months to the polls.

By taking charge of ANC, insiders believe he can now attract serious political allies from other regions, who can have confidence in building an alliance.

“Mudavadi is now the ANC party leader and calls on supporters to prepare for membership registration which will be rolled out soon in preparation for ANC launch by the end of the year,” said Mudavadi’s Press Secretary Kibisu Kabatesi in a statement.

Fight for democracy

“The aims and objectives of the ANC are to establish a democratic, constitutional, just and accountable Government founded upon the national values and principles of governance as enshrined in the Constitution,” said Osotsi.

Osotsi said ANC was out to entrench devolution as a constitutional principle of governance and work towards eradication of all forms of discrimination including tribalism, sexism, racism, religious bigotry and all forms of xenophobia.

“As a party, we want to defend the hard fought democratic gains of the Kenyan people and further deepen the democratic culture, institutions and experiences in all spheres of society. We also want to fight for social justice and equity, and to eliminate inequalities and advance the cause of women’s emancipation and empowerment,” said Osotsi.

“I am confident that the party will be a game changer. In a political environment where the ruling coalition is exhibiting signs of incompetence and official opposition that thrives on propaganda and political polarisation, ANC is the answer and an eye opener,” he added.

Osotsi said the party symbol shall be an olive branch which signifies peace and unity of all Kenyans. “An olive has medicinal benefits – a pure solution to numerous challenges facing the country,” added Osotsi. The party has recruited over 200,000 members since it was issued a provisional registration certificate by the Registrar of Political Parties.