Musalia Mudavadi: A second shot at the deputy presidency?

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. [File, Standard]

After two decades, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is once again possibbly positioned for the role of the country’s second-in-command.

With Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua facing impeachment, Mudavadi's name has surfaced as a potential successor.

Dismas Mokua, a political risk analyst, believes the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary is well-suited to step into the role, citing his extensive experience in public service and deep understanding of Kenya’s political landscape.

“He stands head and shoulders above other candidates. If President William Ruto appoints Musalia Mudavadi as his deputy, it would dismantle tribal political alignments in Kenya and usher in a new era of accountability. It would place meritocracy at the heart of public service,” says Mokua.

The analyst highlights Mudavadi's qualifications, including his education, experience in the public sector, and understanding of governance.

“Musalia has been a minister in Moi’s Cabinet, a member of Parliament, and is known for his loyalty. Remember, when Moi was leaving office, he appointed him as vice president,” he added.

According to Mokua, Mudavadi's potential appointment brings several advantages, including national support and the ability to bolster confidence both domestically and internationally.

“Ruto needs a deputy who can help tackle economic challenges, and Musalia is best suited given his experience as Finance Minister. While he has political ambitions, he has a track record of loyalty and understands statecraft.”

Mokua further suggests that Mudavadi could have been Ruto’s running mate in 2022, had circumstances been different. Mudavadi's decision to join Ruto in the 2022 election was pivotal, shifting the momentum in Ruto's favor.

Analysts agree that his alignment with Ruto and the formation of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance strengthened Ruto’s position among voters.

Political Career

Mudavadi currently serves as both the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.

He previously held the role of Kenya’s seventh vice president for 60 days in 2002 and served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013.

Starting his political career at age 28, he represented Sabatia Constituency in Parliament from 1989 to 2002, and again from 2007 to 2013. In 2013, he made an unsuccessful run for the presidency on an Amani National Congress (ANC) ticket.

As a principal in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, Mudavadi has held various ministerial positions, including in Finance, Agriculture, Transport, and Local Government.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Land Economics from the University of Nairobi and is a member of the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya. In 2022, he received an honorary doctorate in Peace and Sustainable Development from Masinde Muliro University.

Mudavadi, the only son of Moses and Hannah Mudavadi, is married to Tessie Mudavadi, and together they have three children.

As the political spotlight shines on him again, Mudavadi’s journey could be on the brink of a new chapter.