By Nicholas Olambo
Wycliffe Musalia Mudivadi or Mzee has his handlers and close friends refer to him is no stranger. He is a renowned politician with a colorful resume, enough to be the president of this republic. From coming and growing up in a political family to jumping into politics at an early stage in life, to heading different ministries as a young and competent law maker representing Sabatia constituency. Mudavadi would still climb ranks to being the country’s number two for two months. He has been a deputy prime minister and one of the most popular finance ministers Kenya has had.
His stint at the finance was rocked with scandals, Goldenberg was a major scandal but he argues that he joined the ministry, cleaned it and exposed the rot. He denies being an orchestrator or part of the deal. The Amani National Congress leader is a cool and bright politician who has won the hearts of former presidents. President Daniel Moi trusted him to be Uhuru’s number two in 2002. Kibaki at some point believed Mudavadi was best suited to succeed him.
Uhuru was bowing to that pressure, with ICC cases over his head he too felt Mudavadi had no baggage and would make a good president. So this thing is done in the boardroom but before the smoke would settle on Mudavadi, Jimmy Wanjigi would strategize on Kalonzo presidency that would seem weak then he finally settled on Uhuru-Ruto ticket. That ticket was powerful, tyranny of numbers myth was coined, ICC narrative was twisted for political purposes and it worked. Uhuru became president before Mudavadi.
He was left alone, the hype was short lived but man must live they say, he went on to contest for presidency on a low key. Many viewed him as a spoiler candidate as his run divided opposition vote in favor of Uhuru. Why would he play that silly role after his friends had used and abused him? May be for money. His allies and opponents view him as a weak politician but really I think he is cool; his candidature is not emotive. He is educated, he is filthy rich and boasts of broad experience from the ministries he has headed, finance, foreign affairs and local government.
Right now the noise in the streets is about ‘Punguza Muzigo’ and BBI (Building Bridges Initiative). Lines have been drawn, DP William Ruto is against BBI’s intention to create more positions that will see the expansion of the executive. He argues that creatin of more positions will not address political hostilities.
Raila Odinga who is also seen as a possible a possible top contender in 2022 is pro BBI. But ‘Punguza Mzigo’to be honest other than being crafted by a constitutional expert Dr Ekuro Aukot is a document that has people’s interest at heart. Mudavadi is not so vocal on either but it’s on record that the ANC leader prefers a proposal that will reduce the wedge bill. So far, ‘Punguza Mzigo’ is that proposal being bullied by big boys and dynasties not to see the light of the day.
Pundits, political experts and supporters expect him to put an authoritative voice on such weighty issue now. Waiting is not the card expected of a serious presidential contender. He will be swayed by euphoria that is real in Kenyan politics, this rarely works to his advantage but cuts him to a smaller candidate following behind other leaders, some younger than him.
A politician like Dr. William Ruto sees Mudavadi as a guy delivering below his expectations. He didn’t deliver for Uhuru Kenyatta in 2002 like a number was expected to, again as Raila’s number two in 2007. Ruto delivered for Uhuru and Raila respectively than Mudavadi did. Going into 2022, men to beat like Ruto see him as no threat, he sweeping over western and taking his backyard right under his feet. Western politicians spending weekend at the Dp’s Sugoi home is not news anymore.
Being a gentleman or laid back is not a thing in Kenyan politics, it’s mistaken for weakness. Waiting for support without working for it is a blind move. It’s the 25th hour now and Mudavadi must face it as a do or do thing, couple it experience and the fact that it’s time for Moi’s protégés to shine. He has blessings from former presidents Moi and Kibaki. He would be from back in the day but he is still energetic, fresh and with a calm candidature compared to Raila or Ruto.
The country is shifting to pay attention to alternative voices. That’s why Aukot’ document is talk of town, he could be that guy as well, dignifying Kenyans lives with ‘a neutral’ presidency. Miguna in his interview with Citizen Tv’s Jeff Koinange said that Mudavadi is a conservative who believes in the system. Whatever it is, he only needs to be bold when expressing his point.
