Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi has lifted the lid on what informed his daring political move of choosing to work with Deputy President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) outfit.
In a TV interview on Monday, January 24, Mudavadi revealed that One Kenya Alliance (OKA) was being manipulated by some external forces and there was a secret pact ahead of the August General election.
Revealing the details of the secret deal, the former Vice President explained that he had a feeling that OKA was being pushed and packaged to associate with Azimio la Umoja affiliated with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga.
He made clear that he was harbouring second thoughts about the future of OKA for weeks before making the big announcement of working with UDA on Sunday, January 23 at the Bomas of Kenya.
“There was a belief that OKA was to be stringed along and made to work with one of the political camps – Azimio. But all I can tell you is that I have stood my ground and made my mind,” Mudavadi stated.
He added, “Clearly, there are some people who would not want to see a free and fair election by trying to influence the poll. Some people are doing everything to shape the succession."
Musalia however made it clear that OKA has not collapsed but he cleared the air that he had informed his co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Senator Gideon Moi (Kanu), Moses Wetang’ula, and politician Cyrus Jirongo about the invitation of Ruto to the National Delegates Congress (NDC).
“I called a number of them and told them that this other guest (Ruto) was also to come and it was upon them to decide whether to come or not. We must defend the freedom of association. There must be latitude for people to be able to engage freely,” Mudavadi stated.
Mudavadi further claimed that he was shocked when the co-principals stormed out of his meeting.
“When KANU invited the leader of ODM to their NDC, they didn't tell me; when Wiper invited ODM we only knew about it at the tail end. It was their prerogative to choose whom to invite. If it is your function, you can choose to invite me or not,” Mudavadi exclaimed.
“What the earthquake has made us to appreciate is that in life you can decide to throw a stone in the pond just to see what comes out. I saw people who are nervous. But I respect them."
The former deputy prime minister also opened up on the decision about picking of OKA's presidential flag bearer which he noted that it was not inclusive.
“There was an attempt to convey a message that a decision had been made on who was to be the (OKA) flag bearer. The party (ANC) took some great exception to the intrigues that were taking place when OKA affiliated parties met."
