Nairobi, Kenya| Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has downplayed his absence from the high-profile signing of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) agreement, stating that prior commitments prevented him from attending the event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
Addressing speculation over his absence, Mudavadi explained that he had a packed schedule that included critical government engagements on the same day.
“Today, I had four key assignments, starting with the Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting at State House, chaired by President William Ruto, where the ruling coalition’s legislators endorsed the signing of the deal between UDA and ODM,” he stated.
A Tight Schedule Across Counties
Mudavadi’s office later released a statement outlining his itinerary, emphasizing that his absence was purely due to official duties and not political disagreements.
Following the State House meeting, he attended another engagement at his office before traveling to Bomet County to represent the President at the burial of Mzee David Kiplang’at Arap Kirinyet, the father of Dr. Aurelia Rono, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs.
“In Chemaner village, Bomet East, I delivered the President’s message of condolences at the burial of Mzee David Kiplang’at Arap Kirinyet,” Mudavadi’s statement read.
Later in the day, he proceeded to Kakamega County, where he attended a thanksgiving service at Friends’ Boys School, further underscoring his packed schedule.
Support for UDA-ODM Pact
Despite his absence from the signing ceremony, Mudavadi reaffirmed his support for the pact between UDA and ODM, dispelling rumors of a rift within the ruling coalition.
“I, along with other MPs, endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier during the Parliamentary Group meeting, and I continue to fully support the agreement,” he stated.
His absence had fueled speculation over his role in the evolving political landscape, particularly following the recent merger of his former party, Amani National Congress (ANC), with UDA.
However, his reaffirmation of support suggests a commitment to the new political alliance and its broader objectives.
Political Implications
The UDA-ODM pact marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political alliances, bringing together President Ruto’s ruling party and the opposition party led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
While some political analysts view this as a strategic move to consolidate power ahead of future elections, others speculate about potential realignments within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Mudavadi’s absence from the signing event, despite his influential role in government, had sparked questions about whether he was being sidelined in the new political arrangement.
However, his explanation seeks to put such concerns to rest, positioning his absence as a logistical issue rather than a political statement.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes remain on how this new alliance will shape the country’s governance and future electoral contests.
Share This Post