Four days after partnering with Raila Odinga in Kibra, in a by-election which Orange Democratic Movement triumphed over William Ruto's Jubilee Party, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has listed tough demands to Odinga over the formation of a new alliance.
On Tuesday morning, November 11, during an interview on Radio Maisha, Mutua spoke on what he wanted Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta to consider in their Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
Mutua ganged up with his Kitui and Kirinyaga counterparts Charity Ngilu and Anne Waiguru respectively and supported ODM's Imran Okoth who floored McDonald Mariga.
Analysts suggested that the partnership was a hint towards a new 2022 alliance as the formation threw Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka out of Odinga's circle.
"The only alliance or BBI I'm interested in is one that shapes the economic status in Kenya for the better. One that will roll back poverty, create employment and ensure that people have money in the pocket.
"While I support an expanded government, I also suggest a reduction of some government positions. We should also reduce the cost of running the government. There has to be a balance. This can be done. I trust that will be addressed in the BBI," Mutua tweeted during the interview.
While speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on phone after his interview, Mutua elaborated on why he supported BBI without having knowledge of its contents. According to him, the spirit behind BBI was enough to convince Kenyans that it was in the best interest of the nation. He also added that BBI was a proposal and not a bill and that it would open more room for discussion.
He further touched on his presidential ambitions, stating that he would need the support of other Kenyan communities.
"Alliances have to be made to allow for someone to run as President in this current Kenyan setup. The tribal mindset will not disappear overnight. For me to become President in this Kenya, alliances have to be made.
"Even if all Kambas vote me in during a presidential election, I cannot be President. I need votes from other regions who see me as a national leader and not a tribal leader. My ideologies are relevant across the country and that's why they are being received well," Mutua opined.
