- Savula said that over ten MPs from the region who have been loyal to the DP have expressed interest to join ANC.
- The move will bolster Mudavadi's presidential bid for 2022.
Western MPs who supported Deputy President are now warming up to ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Lugari MP Ayub Savula has said.
Savula said that more than ten MPs from the region who have been loyal to the DP have expressed interest to join ANC.
"Most of the MPs feel the DP's presidential bid is being weakened by the ongoing purge of his allies from Jubilee party leadership positions and replaced by those friendly to President Uhuru Kenyatta, and may not be able to succeed his boss," Savula said in Malava on Saturday.
Malava MP Malulu Injendi, one of the DP's fiercest defenders from Kakamega county who was elected on Jubilee ticket, could not deny or confirm he intents to shift only saying, "We are watching the space."
"There is a lot of rivalry fighting in Jubilee and the only thing we can do is to watch the space," he told the Star on the phone yesterday.
Others could not be reached on their cell phones as they went unanswered or were switched off. They did not respond to text messages.
The move will bolster Mudavadi's presidential bid for 2022. Mudavadi is angling to make his second attempt at the top office after a dismal performance in 2013, emerging third after President Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Mudavadi has recently been hosting some of the DP allied MPs at his Mudavadi Center in Nairobi, raising speculations about the purpose of the meetings.
On Friday, the former vice president hosted Bumula MP Mwambu Nabonga, who paid him a courtesy call at the centre. He also hosted rebellious Justus Murunga, who has been working with the DP despite being elected on ANC ticket.
Mudavadi held a meeting with Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago at the centre on Saturday in what is seen as an attempt to woo DP Ruto's followers.
Sources said the two leaders discussed matters of of national importance and other issues in light of Covid-19.
Three key Ruto allies have been replaced in the senate in two weeks. They are majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen, majority whip Susan Kihika and deputy speaker Prof Kithure Kindiki.
Savula said that ANC will only ccoperate with Jubilee but will not enter into a coalition with the ruling party.
Last Monday, Mudavadi said that ANC was still in the NASA coalition, which has not been invalidated. He said the party was ready to play the opposition role.
DP Ruto's supporters have blamed Raila Odinga for the implosion in Jubilee. Trouble in the ruling party begun after the DP and his allies opposed the March 9, 2018, handshake between president Uhuru and Raila.