The recent high-level exits from the Amani National Congress will not destabilise the party, Lugari MP Ayub Savula has said.
Savula, the deputy party leader, said on Wednesday the party remains steadfast in his drive to brand its leader, Musalia Mudavadi, as the man to beat in 2022.
Barrack Muluka resigned from the party as secretary general last week. His exit was followed a few days later by Eliud Owalo, a strategist who had worked for ODM boss Raila Odinga. He had run in the Kibra by-election on the ANC ticket.
“We wish them the best in their next undertakings wherever they are headed. They will be replaced by other able members ready and willing to move the party agenda forward,” Savula told the Star on the phone.
He said ANC knew Owalo's heart was elsewhere when he visited Deputy President William Ruto at his Karen home several weeks ago.
Savula said that former secretary general Muluka finished his assignments and left. Sources said he was unhappy that proposed changes in the party constitution weakened the secretary general's position.
The party leadership is focused on expanding to the rest of the country and building a national image for the 2022 General Election.
"Our immediate focus is to brand and market Mudavadi as presidential candidate for 2022. We don't want to join any other camp as our opponents claim. They are free to join us, however, and make Mudavadi the next president," Savula said.
He said the party is opening offices elsewhere in the country and recruiting new members.
Mudavadi should work closely with President Uhuru Kenyatta to inherit his networks in Central Kenya, Savula said.
Mudavadi has in recent weeks been meeting leaders from the Mt Kenya at his communications center in Nairobi. He has toured parts of Central Kenya recently to court the vote-rich region.
Among the Central region leaders Mudavadi has met are former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Senator Kimani Wamatangi and a host of MCAs and former elected leaders from the region.
(Edited by V. Graham)
