Whoever said that politics has no permanent friends and enemies was not wrong. If in any case we go by the continued and trending issue of the developments that will see former deputy prime minister and Alliance National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi and his arch political rival, Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga. The news has evoked mixed reactions from other Luhya leaders who are opposed to the idea of fronting Musalia Mudavadi as CORD flag bearer come 2017 general elections.
Furthermore, word has it that CORD co-principal and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula may not receive the idea positively as he will have to rally behind Mudavadi, something that his sub tribe (Bukusu) will hear none of. Since time immemorial political rivalry and supremacy between Bukusu and Maragoli sub tribes have been so stiff such that each of the duos believes to be ideal to lead the Luhya nation. For instance, Bukusu tribe believes that they are the first house among the larger Luhya people while Maragoli still insist on the same. This now hints to me that it will be hard for Mudavadi to campaign in Wetang’ula’s stronghold and the vice versa is true. Truth to be told, Mudavadi at the end of the day will win by landslide.
First and foremost, Mudavadi will be on CORD ticket, the coalition that enjoys more support in Kakamega, Vihiga and Busia counties. This will be an added advantage for him since Wetang’ula will have to fight hard in his home County which has already warmed up for the incumbent Jubilee. Nevertheless Wetang’ula may not be received well in Kakamega, Vihiga and Busia counties because he will always be reminded that one of their own will be jostling for the same top seat.
Luhya community have been decrying of being used by both opposition and government in playing second fiddle politics, in each and every general elections something that leaders in the region have demanded that should be a long gone issue. Their cries have now been answered and Mudavadi will be fronting CORD to state house. Why can’t other leaders opposed to the idea hide their pride and support each other.
Musalia Mudavadi can command Luhya vote and nationally something that saw his former party United Democratic Front (UDF) secure a seat in the national assembly. In addition, he has been in politics for quite some time something that gives him ability to exemplary serve if given chance. Wetang’ula’s supremacy was built by him being in opposition and especially CORD due to his cordial relationship with CORD leader Raila Odinga. Any move to oppose Mudavadi will be seen as revolting against Raila Odinga who enjoys mass support in the region and the outcome will affect those opposed to Mudavadi politically.
Luhya nation can provide leaders of all sorts but the wrangles between Bukusu and Maragoli should be faced out if they have any hope of having the said Luhya unity in place.
