Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi was on Monday floated to become the new leader of the party formed from the upcoming ANC-Ford Kenya merger.
Media reports indicated that preliminary negotiations had identified Mr Mudavadi as the better candidate for the position as opposed to Ford-K party leader Moses Wetangula.
A report by the Nation attributed the suggestion to former Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale, alleging that the Ford-K deputy party leader favoured Mudavadi based on seniority and experience in politics.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, however, Dr Khalwale refuted the claims stating that his name had been used by other parties who endorsed Mudavadi.
[caption caption="File image of ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi with Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula"]
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"I have not given any suggestion about Mudavadi leading the new alliance, that is a message sponsored by those who would like to see the talks collapse," he stated.
In a rejoinder, political analyst Barrack Muluka, who is allied to Mudavdai's party cautioned members of the public that the negotiations were still in the early stages and the two parties deserve some time to reach an agreement.
"There are questions you never ask people who have just gotten married, it would amount to peeping through their bedroom window.
"Negotiations are at an early stage and such talks are expected from both ends. The real situation, however, is that that a series of meetings are being held across the board and over the weekend ANC will present its proposals to the technical committee and from there, an announcement will be made," Muluka relayed in a phone call with Kenyans.co.ke.
Ford-Kenya Secretary-General Eseli Simiyu reiterated the sentiments stating: "We have not effectively consulted on the merger and we should not get ahead of ourselves at this early stage."
ANC Secretary-General Godfrey Osotsi was quick to dismiss news on the merger terming it as wishful thinking.
"The said merger has nothing to do with Luhya unity," he cautioned.
[caption caption="Moses Wetangula with Musalia Mudavadi during a past rally"]
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