Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Mudavadi given free hand to pick running mate



By Vitalis Kimutai
Nairobi, Kenya: Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, the Amani Coalition presidential flag bearer has been given a free hand to pick a running mate. But the Coalition’s Advisory Council is also set to meet this week to discuss and make recommendations to Mudavadi on the potentially divisive issue.
The Sabatia MP who got a nod from his United Democratic Forum (UDF), Independence party Kanu and New Ford Kenya to contest the presidency has approached a number of leaders offering them the position. Kanu chairman Gideon Moi, Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi who doubles up as the Alliance Party of Kenya (APK) party leader and the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs Abdikadir Mohamed, who is also the Mandera Central MP are said to be the front runners for the position.
Thinking it over
Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa said: “This is an issue we wish could have been settled yesterday as we do not have much time. We must hit the ground running immediately, but it is important for our supporters to know that Mudavadi has the mandate to identify the most suited candidate for the position.”
Wamalwa gave up his presidential ambitions to back Mudavadi for the presidency as he prepares to launch his own bid for State House in the 2017 poll.
Nick Salat, the Kanu Secretary General yesterday told The Standard on telephone that the process would be a consultative one, as there are many factors to consider before picking a candidate. “I can confirm to you that the people who have been approached by Mudavadi are consulting their constituencies widely as it has to be an all inclusive process,” Salat said.
He said the issue of regional balancing would also come into play in the matter.
Unwavering support
Kiraitu told the Press at the weekend that he had indeed been approached by the DPM but he had requested for more time to weigh his options and consult the relevant people before making a decision.
“It is true, I have been approached, but I will need to sit down with Musalia and discuss the offer at length. As of now, I am turning it over in my head,” Kiraitu said.
He clarified that so far, APK had made a deliberate decision not to back any presidential candidate.
Gideon is yet to go public on the matter even though those in the know say he has equally been approached but has not made a decision either to go for it or not.
During the delegates’ conference at Bomas, Gideon led Kanu leaders and supporters in declaring unwavering support for the DPM.
“In 2002, you supported Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta for the Presidency while in 2007 you backed Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the position. It is now your turn in 2013,” Gideon said when he addressed the delegates.

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