Prime Cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi is today marking the first anniversary since his move to join hands with President William Ruto in what was dubbed the ‘earthquake.’
On this day, some 197 days to the August 9, 2022 General Election, Mudavadi made the most surprising decision declaring his support for the UDA presidential flag bearer.
This was after several months of playing his cards close to the chest.
The move sent shockwaves tilting the political landscape in the country and totally disintegrating the One Kenya Alliance of Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka and Kanu's Gideon Moi.
This did not go well with Gideon and Kalozo who were forced to stage a walkout during the ANC’s annual delegates’ conference at the Bomas of Kenya.
This is after it emerged that Ruto had been invited and was to make an appearance.
A section of Ruto’ allies who included governors Anne Waiguru, Stephen Sang, Samson Cherargei, Adan Duale and Cate Waruguru among a host of others had started making their way in for the much awaited ‘earthquake’ announcement.
"I've heard people say I am slowly moving out of OKA, just wait. There is a major announcement that will shake the country. There is no need for doubts," he said in Nyamira a few days before the declaration.
Delegates and party supporters had thronged the venue to endorse Mudavadi as the presidential candidate.
There were, however, no major activities planned to match it.
Last Thursday, Mudavadi held a media interview where he explained his intention to work with Ruto.
“We have not planned any celebration of whatever nature, he is a state officer...but, we shall be issuing a statement later in the day with regard to it,” an official at his office said.
During the interview, Mudavadi who is now the third most powerful man in the country after the political gamble that went right, said he decided to work with Ruto having paid keen attention to the people.
“My ears were on the ground, I was convinced that Kenya would go in the wrong direction should people be pushed to elect a certain side,” he said.
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta who had then fallen out with Ruto was understandably making spirited efforts to have Mudavadi and current Speaker Moses Wetangula back Raila Odinga.
In his address at the Bomas, Ruto announced he would work with ANC and Ford Kenya.
The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary is among other duties acting as the liaison between Parliament and the Executive.
During a recent Cabinet retreat, President Ruto said Mudavadi’s office will play a very critical role in overseeing the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.
Ruto said Mudavadi will also help the Executive prepare responses to questions in Parliament when CSs are called upon to do so.
