Wamalwa: I have not bowed out for Mudavadi

By OSINDE OBARE

KENYA: Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa has denied reports he has quit the presidential race to back Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

Instead Wamalwa said he is trying to lure Mudavadi to join Pambazuka alliance to team up with Eagle to form a third force in the March 4 General Election.

“I did not declare my support for Mudavadi as claimed. Instead I’m trying to lure him to join me in Pambazuka to team up with Eagle alliance and come up with a third force,” said Wamalwa.

The Saboti MP also disclosed that Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo had left Pambuzuka and headed to the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) after New Ford-Kenya and Federal National Party endorsed Eugene as Pambazuka presidential candidate.

The Luhya vote

“We are in talks with Mudavadi to strike a political deal before we approach Peter Kenneth for the formation of the third force,” said Wamalwa, during a family gathering at the Mausoleum of the former Vice-President, the late Kijana Wamalwa in Kitale.

The minister said he has restructured talks with Mudavadi to consolidate the Luhya vote boost their bargaining.

“Western vote is undecided and we want to make sure the vote is intact,” said Wamalwa.

He disclosed that they are set to meet with Mudavadi for yet another meeting to strike a political deal before inviting the Eagle leadership.

“The ongoing talks between me and my brother Mudavadi are fruitful and we are committed to a common political goal before we invite the Eagle to come up with a formidable force,” he said.

Wamalwa said the Luhya vote will determine the outcome of the presidential contest.

Scientific approach

He said the political stand between him and Mudavadi will be known at the end of the festive season.

“We are using scientific approach to ensure our talks succeed and then we will come to report on the stand we have arrived on before proceeding to meet the Eagle alliance,” he said.