G7 gives line-up, conditions for Mudavadi

By VINCENT BARTOO

The G7 alliance has laid out conditions for Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi’s possible entry into the outfit after decamping from ODM.

Its leading lights declared that any politician decamping to the group now will have to play second fiddle.

During the homecoming ceremony for Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa, the leaders announced their regional kingpins.

Dujis MP Adan Duale said the alliance was like a football team with best strikers countrywide.

"We have one objective. To unite the country from Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, Eastern and Nairobi," he said. He cited Eldoret North MP William Ruto and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta as Rift Valley and Central Kenya kingpins.

Environment Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere was Coast representative and Duale North Eastern.

"In Western Province, Wamalwa has his number. Now it is upon you the people of Western to keep him there. Msipoteze network (don’t be swayed)," said Duale.

Other MPs at the function directly told Mudavadi not to expect any preferential treatment in the alliance should he join them. Nairobi Metropolitan Minister Jamleck Kamau said the alliance’s journey to State House started long ago.

"If Mudavadi expects to join us now, he should work under Wamalwa who already has a number in G7," Kamau said.

They appeared angered by Western Province MPs who skipped the event and blamed Mudavadi. Information Minister Samuel Poghisio castigated the leaders for "fearing" to attend the homecoming ceremony.

Nominated MP Musikari Kombo, who was the master of ceremony and former Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala were the only leaders from the region.

Annointed

There was widespread speculation that Mudavadi could be the G7 compromise candidate should Uhuru and Ruto be barred from contesting.

Westlands MP Fred Gumo, who is also a key ally of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, was the surprise guest.

"Those running away should know that it will not be easy going out there," said Gumo. Gumo said Uhuru, Ruto and Wamalwa had serious presidential ambitions.

"If you think you will run away and be received with open arms, you are mistaken because these three are serious in their presidential bids and will not abandon them for you," said the Regional Development minister.

Gumo told Uhuru and Ruto some politicians were hoping to cash in on their predicament at the ICC. Uhuru and Ruto supported Wamalwa saying he was their preferred point man in Western.

With that vote of confidence, Wamalwa announced that he would relinquish his Saboti seat in the forthcoming General Election and would not contest any seat in Trans Nzoia County.