Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga arrived late at the funeral of Musalia Mudavadi’s stepmother, Rosebella Jerono Mudavadi in Vihiga County on Saturday afternoon, December 18.
Accompanied by Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, the former Prime Minister landed in a chopper as the send-off ceremony was almost over.
The mourners who had gathered at Mudavadi’s family home in Vihiga rose up to welcome the former Prime Minister with jubilation.
“I ran late as I was burying one of my kin. I could not make it to the requiem mass in Nairobi but vowed that I will join you for Mama Rosebella Jerono's final send-off today,” said Raila Odinga when he rose to speak.
“Losing a mother is a painful ordeal. I lost mine when I was in detention, I know how it feels. Receive my condolences on this loss,” remarked Raila.
At today’s function in Vihiga, however, Raila warmed up to signing a pact with Musalia as he reminisced their past political partnerships.
“Musalia’s father, the late Moses Mudavadi, and my father were allies. When Jaramogi was in detention, it’s Musalia’s father who always came through for him,” posed the ODM Party Leader.
“During the last elections, we also went hunting together, but unfortunately, we didn’t come out successful,” he added.
Musalia, while addressing the mourners, appreciated Raila. He, however, castigated local leaders who had spoken against Raila. Mudavadi, in past public appearances, assured his followers that he would vie for Presidency against Raila, Deputy President William Ruto and other candidates.
His allies, Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, Lugari MP Ayub Savula, and Alfred Agoi called on Mudavadi to reject overtures from Raila and Ruto.
“There was a narrative that this is a two-horse race. Now, out of the blues, they are looking for you. I urge you to stay put. Don’t listen to them. We have to remain united as OKA and go all the way to the ballot,” Senator Malala stated.
Earlier this month, Musalia gave Raila’s Azimio la Umoja Event at the Kasarani Stadium a wide berth. The move sparked fears that their cordial political relations were in jeopardy.
Musalia cited personal commitments, at a time when his family was repatriating the body of his deceased stepmother, who passed on in Virginia, USA.
“I have just received an official invitation to Azimio la Umoja Convention. As noted herein, the invitation was addressed in my personal capacity as ANC Party Leader and not OKA Principal. Regrettably, I will not be able to attend because of personal engagements,” read a tweet on his official platforms prior to the event.
“Raila Odinga is a worthy competitor, I wish him well because tomorrow will clearly be his day in the sun,” he added.
The ODM leader announced his Presidential candidature at Kasarani, stating that he was the best suited to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.
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