Mudavadi confirms he is set to leave ODM

Written By:Wangari Kanyongo/KNA,    Posted: Sun, Apr 22, 2012

Mudavadi said he had invested in ODM faithfully but he was being given a dishonest runaround with the intention of locking him out of the presidential competition within the party A day after addressing thousands of grassroots leaders drawn from Western, Rift Valley and Nairobi regions in a consultative meeting over his candidacy, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government Musalia Mudavadi has again assured his supporters that he will be on the presidential ticket when the election date is announced. In a move to strengthen his support base, Mudavadi assured good will delegations from the North Rift who paid him a visit at his Mululu home in Sabatia that there is no turning back in his quest. "I have helped people in 2002 and 2007. This time round, it is their turn to give back that support. As per your request, I have no intentions of turning back", he said amid hysteric ululations. Mudavadi said he had invested in ODM faithfully but he was being given a dishonest runaround with the intention of locking him out of the presidential competition within the party. "I have been called an adopted son, and even a ghost resurrected from the political grave. Partners who respect your contributions and have goodwill do not use such insults to assure you of a level playing field" he said. He said there was no guarantee that amendments to the party constitution can be instituted in good time to allow for competitive presidential nominations as earlier agreed to at National Executive Committee meeting. "We are being told the amendments will be done soon but if we look at the procedures under the provisions of the Political Parties Act, to amend a party constitution is a long drawn process which will be the excuse for avoiding any contest in the party. Technically, a process has been manufactured to ensure a no-contest situation in the party. So what does this mean? The door is closed on me", declared Mudavadi. The DPM said Kenyans have right to decide their next president and he does not owe anyone any political debt. He said Kenyans reserve the mandate to decide whether he is fit to lead them or not come the next general elections. Mudavadi said consultation is necessary to ensure all Kenyans who have and will contribute to his political career will own the decision made to secure the win of the ultimate prize. But amid the growing rift, ODM party leader Raila Odinga is busy campaigning to take over from president Mwai Kibaki. The premier has engaged a higher gear in selling his manifesto across the county. Raila was in Meru region on Friday and Saturday where he opened friends for Raila Office, held a meeting with party delegates and addressed several roadside meetings.