Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for
stronger collaboration between political and religious leaders to help
transform Kenya.
Speaking in Nairobi after meeting more than 40 religious and
interfaith leaders, Mudavadi described faith-based institutions as pillars of
national cohesion and urged them to champion unity, peace, and stability.
“We should not take the peace and unity of our country for
granted. If Kenyans see what is happening in our neighbouring countries, they
will appreciate the peace we enjoy back home,” he said.
“Let us not be divided by tribalism.”
The delegation, led by Malava Interfaith Council Chairman
Bishop Elly Taliti, Rev. Fr. Vincent Sanga, and SUPKEM women’s representative
Asha Juma, discussed the role of religious leaders in guiding communities ahead
of the Malava by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025.
“You have a noble obligation as the foundation of good
decision-making since you hold crucial positions of authority and guidance,”
Mudavadi stated.
He urged them to help voters choose wisely, warning against
electing leaders lacking honesty or trustworthiness.
“Ask yourselves: which qualities of a leader do the people
of Malava deserve?” he posed.
As President William Ruto’s key ally, Mudavadi has been
tasked with spearheading UDA’s campaigns for the seat left vacant after the
death of MP Malulu Injendi.
He reminded the clergy that he was not there to impose a
candidate but to guide the constituency until a new leader is elected.
“My plea is that since you, the people of Malava, have been
in government, give us a good leader under the UDA ticket,” he said.
Mudavadi urged voters to remember the close working
relationship between President Ruto and the late Injendi, and to elect someone
capable of continuing development projects.
“Look beyond the by-election and 2027. Give the
President someone he can trust to complete the projects started by Malulu,” he
said.
Citing education and agriculture as priority areas, Mudavadi
noted that the national government has allocated Sh702 billion — 25 per cent of
the budget — to education.
He said Malava needs a leader who will work with the
government to improve local schools and infrastructure.
He also called for peaceful campaigns.
“Any candidate relying on violence or political extremism
should be condemned. We all want peace and unity for the people of Malava and
the country,” he said.
Mudavadi reaffirmed his commitment to continue engaging stakeholders in Malava and across Western Kenya in the coming months.
