Mudavadi: Raila, Uhuru politics divisive

By Mangoa Mosota and Naftal Makori                    

Amani Coalition presidential candidate Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned Kenyans against electing leaders who would divide the country.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who touted himself as the compromise candidate, hit out at his key challengers, Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, for their aggression towards each other in their campaigns.

Speaking during campaigns in Kisii County on Sunday, Mudavadi said the two leaders lack the capacity to unite the country.

“They cannot promote peaceful coexistence among all communities. They can easily divide the country,” he argued, adding that Kenya needs a sober leader.

He said CORD and Jubilee campaigns have been about personal attacks, which he said are not good for the country’s healing and reconciliation.

Mudavadi, who was accompanied by his running mate Jeremiah Kioni and Kisii County senator candidate George Nyamweya and other UDF politicians, appealed to civil servants to desist from taking sides in the campaigns.

“Civil servants must remain impartial at all times and should not appear to support one side of the political divide,” he said.

The former Sabatia MP reiterated he is the best-suited candidate to succeed President Kibaki because he would unite the county and promote development.

Offer solutions

Mr Kioni echoed Mudavadi’s sentiments, adding Amani Coalition is a safe bet to offer solutions to the land problems facing the country.

He cautioned politicians against using the thorny land issue to polarise the nation.

There have been bitter exchanges between leaders of CORD and Jubilee in the recent past over mechanism of solving the land problems.

Mudavadi addressed residents of Kisii Town at Jogoo Primary School Grounds.

He later held rallies in Nyansiongo, Ekerenyo and Magombo in Nyamira County, where he urged the Gusii community to vote for him and promised to expand the export market.

The UDF flagbearer also said his government would lay emphasis on tea farming.

Earlier on, Mudavadi attended a church service at the Salvation Army Church in Kisii County where he called on Kenyans to embrace peace.

Kioni asked the electorate to shun politicians who had been in politics for many years yet had nothing to show for it.

On Monday Mudavadi will campaign at Bomachoge, Nyaribari Masaba and Kitutu Chache areas.