Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi addressing supporters at the KitaleShow Ground during his development tour of Western Kenya on Thursday /IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said that Western Kenya is keen on the presidency in 2032, downplaying the push for the deputy president position in 2027 by a section of leaders from the region.
Speaking during a development tour of Trans-Nzoia County on Thursday, Mudavadi hinted at going for the top seat in 2032 for the first time, saying that his presidency after President William Ruto would ensure continuity of the policies, programmes and agenda of the Kenya Kwanza government.
Mudavadi said that Western Kenya as a region has had an opportunity of producing three vice presidents in the previous regimes, and time has come for the region to eye the top seat.
“I was the Vice President in 2002 when I served under the late Rtd President Daniel Arap Moi, and later my brother Kijana Wamalwa (late) occupied the seat before Moody Awori serving in the same capacity. We now want to prepare ourselves for the ultimate price which is the President's seat.” noted Mudavadi.
He said the region needs to remain united as a people and support President Ruto’s re-election and thereafter plan well.
He spoke about his political future for the first time since the last general elections.
Mudavadi said Western Kenya stands a better chance of picking up from President Ruto in 2032, and it is time the leadership and the people realise that power is right at their door step.
“Mimi nimeongoza chama cha ANC na najua umuhimu wa chama. Nilifanya uamuzi na wafuasi wetu na tukajiunga na UDA ili footprint yetu iwe kubwa zaidi na ishike kila mahali kuanzia Western, twende Rift Valley, twende Coast, twende Mt Kenya, twende Eastern, Nyanza, Nairobi, North Eastern na kila pahali ili tuwe tayari kuchukua uongozi wa Kenya.” said Mudavadi.
"Lazima tutapimana nguvu baada ya kumpa Ruto 2nd Term mwaka wa 2027, na tukiwa na hiyo foot print kubwa kama tumeshika kila mahali, hiyo itatupea nafasi nzuri ya kuwa President kutoka eneo la Magharibi.” added Mudavadi.
He said that Kenya needs a leadership transition that will unite the people and ensure continuity President Ruto's development track record.
Mudavadi said Western Kenya has had a good reputation in producing national leaders from the era of the late Masinde Muliro and urged the region to appreciate and support their leaders who are championing positive change.
“It takes time for a region to nurture a leader of national stature and reputation. Let us respect our leaders, support them and rally behind them. We should emulate what other regions are doing with their leaders.” Mudavadi said.
“I urge you to register in large numbers, and we support Ruto fully for we must be consistent and have continuity for Kenya to move forward.” he explained.
Mudavadi was in Trans-Nzoia to grace the empowerment programme for over 2,700 Community Health Promoters (CHPs).
He lauded efforts by CHPs in helping the communities at the grass roots level in making sure that Universal Health Care works.
Mudavadi said his presence in Kitale did not mean endorsing any leader for the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial race, urging the competitors to intensify their individual campaigns at the grassroots ahead of the UDA nominations next year.
He said those misleading the electorate must shun from preaching and spreading propaganda since it is the people who will decide who becomes their next governor.
“I am a leader who believes that the strength of democracy lies in competition. I am not here to impose any leader on the people of Trans Nzoia. All those eyeing the seat for governor will undergo nominations at the right time.” Mudavadi said.
“Some people are moving around thinking that they have the monopoly of touring the counties of Western Kenya, misleading our people. I want to warn them that we have now come for you. We will now face you head on,” Mudavadi added.
Mudavadi inspected the ongoing construction of Kiminini Modern Market, where he assured traders and residents that the government remains committed to delivering on its promise of providing safe, clean and modern trading facilities that empower businesses to thrive.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also unveiled the new Sikhendu Secondary School classroom complex, comprising 7 classrooms and an administration block.
