Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has dismissed criticism from a section of Luhya leaders over his support for President William Ruto’s re-election, insisting it does not derail his own presidential ambitions.
Mudavadi said his decision to dissolve ANC and join UDA was a calculated political move meant to prepare for a future run at the top seat.
“We must change strategy, and that strategy made me fold ANC and join UDA so that we can plan ourselves well. I am not a fool. I know what I am doing,” Mudavadi said.
He was speaking during the commissioning of a storeyed classroom block at St Theresa’s Sikhendu Secondary School in Trans Nzoia County.
Mudavadi poured cold water on attempts by opposition leaders from the Western region to revive a fresh presidential formation, saying the current realignment talk is politically hollow and incapable of delivering power.
“The regrouping they are hyping requires much more to win the presidency than merely making rounds and thinking you are ready,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary said his immediate mission is to help President Ruto secure re-election in 2027, while keeping his own eyes on the presidency after the end of Ruto’s second term.
“They are saying that I am wasting my time because I only want to be number two. For me, I no longer want to be number two; at the right time, I want to be number one,” he said.
Mudavadi also used the Sikhendu event to weigh in on the 2027 Trans Nzoia governor race, telling Kenya Kwanza aspirants Kakai Bisau, Chris Wamalwa and Susan Nakhumicha to prepare for a competitive nomination battle instead of expecting direct endorsements.
“The field is open for the three of you. Our strength as Kenya Kwanza is competitive politics, not endorsements. We will back whoever wins the nominations,” he said.
Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau said the region was already firmly behind President Ruto’s re-election bid, arguing that backing Ruto in 2027 would strengthen Mudavadi’s chances of mounting a serious presidential bid in 2032.
“We are fully behind the re-election of President William Ruto. We know this is the pathway for Mudavadi to contest for the presidency in 2032,” said Bisau.
Former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, on his part, challenged National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to fold Ford Kenya and join UDA, saying Kenya Kwanza would be stronger under a single political vehicle.
“We challenge Wetang’ula to dissolve his party and join UDA so that we can have a strong team,” said Wamalwa.
Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang and Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago also joined the debate, saying the county needs a new direction in leadership at the gubernatorial level.
