Mudavadi hits out at Uhuru as he baptises new alliance with Ruto

An emboldened ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi yesterday sustained his criticism against President Uhuru Kenyatta, uncharacteristically telling him that he has been a big disappointment to Kenyans. 

Reacting to reports that the President had expressed disappointment after Mudavadi aligned himself with Deputy President William Ruto, Mudavadi said: “I heard the President said that he is disappointed in me. You have a right to be disappointed but Mr President, Kenyans are even more disappointed. Kenyans are hungry. Kenyans have a huge debt burden. Kenyans are overtaxed and jobless. Let us not lie to each other.”

He was addressing a joint rally with Ruto and Moses Wetang'ula of Ford Kenya in Eldama Ravine, Baringo, before they headed to Nakuru for their first mega rally after their union last Sunday.

Mudavadi dismissed leaders criticising him for working with the DP’s camp saying that it was his constitutional right to interact with persons of his choice.

“We don’t want people to choose friends for us. If you are enemies with Ruto, don’t recruit me to be his enemy too. I thank Ruto for coming to Bomas and we shall work together as Kenya Kwanza Coalition in ensuring there is democracy,” said Mudavadi. “We shall not give space to leaders who are government projects.”

Last Sunday, the ANC leader and Wetang'ula ditched the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) in favour of a partnership with with UDA, in which Ruto is party leader.

In a show of bromance, Ruto and Mudavadi steered clear of individual presidential campaigns, instead focusing their energy towards winning more supporters over to their new movement under the clarion call Uchumi Kwanza (Economy First).

From individual political parties, the team has now transformed to what Mudavadi called the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.

“Kenya Kwanza is a coalition of freedom, a coalition to defend the Constitution, a coalition dedicated to serving the people of Kenya, a coalition that will target the growth of the economy of the people of Kenya, a coalition that will say no graft,” said Mudavadi.

The three parties painted Eldama Ravine and Nakuru towns in their colours of green, yellow, black and white as thousands turned up for the rallies.

Addressing the gathering, Ruto said Kenyans should be left to pick their leaders without being coerced through State machinery. He described Raila as a State project aimed at serving the interests of a few powerful individuals.

“Those who think they can decide who the next president will be in hotels and offices should hear loudly, that Kenyans will not buy such plans,” he said.

The DP asked voters to reject Raila’s social protection programme through which the government will disburse a Sh6,000 monthly stipend to unemployed individuals.

He said: “They have a plan to be giving out monthly handouts to hoodwink the youth and silence them as the country is taken off the tracks. I respect Raila but he too should respect our youth. They are not a people to depend on handouts. They want jobs and economic transformation first”.

He criticised leaders forming regional parties saying that this risks dividing Kenyans along tribal and religious lines.

“Some people have started village, tribal and religion parties. Wetang'ula, Mudavadi and I have come together to ensure the country does not take that direction. We must resist any temptation to divide Kenyans along their tribal and religious lines,” said Ruto.

Wetang'ula emphasised on the need to involve Kenyans in decision making.

"Kenya has been hurt by tribalism. We don't want to have a few people agreeing and assuming that all Kenyans support them. People must be the cornerstone of decision making," he said.

The Ford Kenya leader reiterated the need to prioritise issues affecting the youth, saying that being a majority of the population they hold the solution to the country's economy.

"Our economy depends on agriculture. We must form a government that will take agriculture seriously for our economy to grow. Medical bills are also a huge burden on our population. We must ensure our people are on insurance covers," he said.

Wetang'ula assured that their team stands for devolution and they shall ensure 35 per cent of the national resources go to the counties for economic development.

The Ford Kenya leader said there is also need for the government to adopt a predictable education policy saying that the current system has been on trial and error.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago said the new coalition had created regional balance.

“This is the team that will form a government reflecting the face of Kenya from all corners,” said Mandago.

Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok exuded confidence that in the new found unity, Kenyans will back one of the presidential candidates.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said that Ruto-Mudavadi union had sent panic among their competitors who have had to go back to the drawing board.

“We want them to know this is just the beginning. More will be joining us,” he said.

Kimilili MP Chris Wamalwa - who is expected to vie for the Trans Nzoia governorship - told off those terming Mudavadi’s move as inconsequential.

“We were with Raila Odinga but he played tricks on us. We moved on with Ruto. They are still in denial that there was an earthquake but they have acknowledged it through rushed meetings,” said Dr Wamalwa.

What others said

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua: “It is now a two horse race; us and Azimio. We shall rally Mt Kenya voters behind our movement".

Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale: “Raila and Francis Atwoli do not speak for Western voters".

Garissa Township MP Aden Duale: “These leaders are united to save the country from economic collapse. They are not after sharing of government positions as it is the intention of our competitors”.

Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala: “Western has supported Raila since 2002 and we have not seen any benefit.”