Musalia Mudavadi’s ANC is becoming a shell following a sustained raid by ODM leader Raila Odinga after the former’s surprise union with Deputy President William Ruto.
The exodus has also hit Moses Wetangu’la’s Ford Kenya as the battle for Western Kenya gets down to the wire.
Both parties seem on the way to being hollowed out but an ANC statement said defections are natural after realignments, so are infusions of new blood.
ODM and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) on Thursday received tens of defectors from ANC and Ford Kenya from across the four counties of Western Kenya.
Image: ANDREW KASUKU
At DAP-K headquarters in Nairobi, over 20 ANC ward representatives from various parts of the country defected to the Wafula Wamunyiyi-led party.
DAP-K is affiliated to Raila’s Azimio La Umoja Movement and is supporting his presidential bid.
Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Janet Nangabo was also part of the team that switched to DAP-K.
Nangabo was allied to the Tangatanga wing of Jubilee party.
Image: FREDRICK OMONDI
At Orange House, Raila received 15 MCAs from Kakamega and Busia who joined the Orange party, claiming selling Ruto in their region is a herculean task.
Exodus continues …
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya also disclosed that more Ford Kenya and ANC MPs will next week join ODM in another wave of defections
Already five ANC legislators — Ayub Savula (Lugari), Christopher Aseka (Khwisero), Oku Kaunya (Teso North), Peter Nabulindo (Matungu) and Godfrey Osotsi (Nominated) have parted ways with Mudavadi and announced they are supporting Raila.
Speaking to the Star, Savula said four more MPs would be defecting from ANC next week alongside ward representatives.
ANC had a total of 17 legislators in the National Assembly and Senate, both elected and nominated.
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya also disclosed that more Ford Kenya and ANC MPs will next week join ODM in another wave of defections.
He did not name the expected defectors.
Raila: History of plunder
Speaking for the first time on the Musalia, Ruto and Wetangu’la union, Raila said the common thread in the alliance is a history of plunder of public resources. “Birds of a feather flock together.”
However, a late Thursday meeting between Cotu SG Francis Atwoli and Tindi Mwale (Butere ANC) and Titus Khamala (Lurambi, ANC) sparked speculation of a possible defection.
“There are several MPs from ANC and Ford Kenya who will next defect to ODM, they are still making the necessary arrangements. You will see them,” Oparanya said.
Speaking for the first time on the Musalia, Ruto and Wetangu’la union, Raila said the common thread in the alliance is a history of plunder of public resources.
“Birds of a feather flock together, they have a common denominator. Kenya cannot be led by thieves,” Raila said.
He added, “Kenya is not on sale and cannot be bought by money stolen from the people.”
The fourth-time presidential candidate stated he is not worried by the new marriage, insisting he will defeat them on the ballot.
He said he will soon unveil a bigger political formation that will dwarf the new alliance and win the August 9 polls with a landslide.
“If you want to go ,you are free, there are big things coming soon, Kenya will feel its impact. We are forging ahead and not looking back,” he said.
Before the Orange House meeting, Raila welcomed a delegation of Rift Valley leaders to his camp.
Don’t bite the hand that feeds you, Mudavadi scolded
Savula asked why Mudavadi would utter harsh words against the President, who recently ordered the tarmacking of a road leading to the ANC party leader’s rural home in Mululu, Sabatia
They included Uasin Gishu Senator Margaret Kamar, Chief Administrative Secretary of Livestock Linah Jebii Kilimo , former head of Civil Service Sally Kosgei and former Police IG David Kimaiyo.
On Thursday, Raila announced that Azimio La Umoja will be registered next week as a Coalition Party following the signing into law the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2021 by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
At DAP-K headquarters, Mudavadi came under a scathing attack for his comments on President Kenyatta during joint UDA, ANC and Ford Kenya rallies in Nakuru on Wednesday.
“Let the President alone. We are surprised at how fast you are picking Ruto’s bad habits,” Savula said.
Savula asked why Mudavadi would utter harsh words against the President, who recently ordered the tarmacking of a road leading to the ANC party leader’s rural home in Mululu, Sabatia.
Savula bares his fangs
Mudavadi has now become an attack dog of Ruto, which is very unlike him. He has been a gentleman of politics like my late brother Kijana but we do not know what he is drinking lately
“You were Finance Minister for long but you did not tarmac that road. Uhuru is tarmacking it for you but you still have unkind words for him,” he added.
Savula added that Raila gave him the position of Deputy Prime Minister but he still disrespects him. “Raila was not president at that time. What more did you want him to give you?” he asked.
Wamalwa also censured Mudavadi for saying Kenyans were more disappointed at Uhuru than in him.
“Mudavadi has now become an attack dog of Ruto, which is very unlike him. He has been a gentleman of politics like my late brother Kijana but we do not know what he is drinking lately,” he added.
He appealed to the ANC party leader to show respect to the President or be ready for similar attacks and scrutiny of his records.
“You are in a glass house but you are throwing stones at Uhuru who has been your friend,” he added.
The Cabinet Secretary revealed that Uhuru is scheduled to tour western region soon to commission various projects, some in Mudavadi’s backyard.
“There is a Sh1.8 billion water project in Vihiga the President will launch soon. There is also a granite factory that will be opened in Vihiga while Kaimosi University will receive a charter.
“We do not know about your deal with Ruto but we know what the President is doing for Western and Kenya at large,” he added.
There's no story that cannot be told. We cover the stories that others don't want to be told, we bring you all the news you need. If you have tips, exposes or any story you need to be told bluntly and all queries write to us [email protected] also find us on Telegram
