A section of ANC Leader Musalia Mudavadi’s allies has alleged that there is foul play in the planning of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Western tour, over claims that the ANC boss has not been given a key role during the President’s visit.
A section of Luhya leaders led by Lurambi Legislator Titus Khamala claimed that Mudavadi has been given a periphery role despite him being a key leader of the community.
According to Khamala, the President’s visit will flop if Mudavadi is not involved in its planning.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta’s visit to the region will not be successful without Mudavadi. When he went to Kisumu, it was Raila Odinga who accompanied him, in Ukambani Kalonzo Musyoka was heavily involved.
“Even if they choose to put Musalia at the periphery, they should know he is our choice here. We will vote for him (come 2022 general elections),” Lurambi said as quoted by a local daily.
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File image of Lurambi Legislator Titus Khamala. [Photo: Courtesy]
Reacting to the remarks by his allies, Mudavadi downplayed claims that he had been sidelined, adding that the president reserves the right to invite any leader to accompany him for a specific project.
“The President is free to visit, tour, and inspect projects initiated by his administration. He is at liberty to invite us to be part of his entourage as he does that,” Mudavadi said.
The complaints by the Western Kenyan leaders emerged after President Kenyatta recently met Western Kenyan leaders that include Governors; Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Wilber Ottichilo (Vihiga) and Patrick Khaemba (Trans Nzoia).
The meeting was also attended by Cabinet Secretaries Eugene Wamalwa (Devolution) and John Munyes (Petroleum).
The absence of Mudavadi and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula fom the meeting did not augur well with their allies.
During the visit, the President is expected to inspect and launch major development projects in Western Kenya counties.
