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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi yesterday down played claims that they were embroiled in a supremacy battle.

They also revealed how they struck a pre-election deal with William Ruto that propelled them into government and described it as a “tough decision”.

The two used a mega fundraiser in Shinyalu Constituency, Kakamega to push for fresh efforts to unite the people of western Kenya. They said that it was only by speaking in one voice that the region would benefit from the Kenya Kwanza government.

“I sat with my brother Musalia from 8am to 5pm just trying to make a decision on the political course that we would take. It was not an easy decision as it came amid a lot of threats and intimidation from those who believed they had already won the presidency,” said Wetang’ula.

“Chinua Achebe said a wiseman standing on the ground sees farther than an idiot atop a tree. We chose to be wise,” he added.

Mudavadi disclosed that the meetings were held at his Mululu and Nairobi homes, and at the residence of President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet.

“It is during these meetings that we drafted a pre-election pact that indicated that Ruto would be our coalition’s presidential candidate, Rigathi Gachagua as his running-mate, Wetang’ula as Speaker of the National Assembly and I Prime Cabinet Secretary-designate. It exactly happened that way after our victory,” he added.

The duo pointed out that even though President Ruto did not amass a lot of votes in the Western region, he had embraced them and was initiating development projects besides appointing locals to plum government positions.

They said it was, thus, imperative for the western region to embrace unity of purpose that would subsequently foster development.

Voting bloc

“Musalia and I have resolved to unite for the good of our people. Musalia uses his strengths to buttress my weaknesses and vice-versa. Our unity as the Mulembe Nation must happen,” said Wetang’ula.
Mudavadi dismissed claims of rivalries between him and Wetang’ula and blamed them on their political detractors.

The two said they would ensure that the Western region voted as a bloc for President Ruto in 2027 before they could discuss about his succession.

Leaders from other communities who graced the occasion said they were ready to support a President from the Western Kenya as long as they united.

“You have the numbers, perhaps even more than we in Central, but your biggest challenge is divisions at every election time. Unite, vote as bloc and we shall take you seriously,” said Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichungw’ah.

His Senate counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot echoed the sentiments, saying it was only through unity that residents of the Western region would benefit.
Renegade ODM MPs from Luo-Nyanza said they had no apologies over their association with the Kenya Kwanza.

“We are determined to work with all Kenyans instead of being subjected to party bigotry. All of us were elected to serve our people and it is through building bridges that we shall fulfill our pledges,” said Suba MP Caroli Omondi.

The leaders also defended the government over the high cost of living, saying it was a worldwide phenomenon.

“It is true Kenyans are feeling the pinch over high cost of basic items but they should persevere for a little while as our President has put measures in place to remedy the situation,” said Belgut MP Nelson Koech.

The leaders spoke at Ishikulu Primary School during the fundraiser for 30 churches in Shinyalu. They were hosted by area MP Fred Ikana. Earlier, Wetang’ula has asked members of bi-partsan talks committee to guard against differences that could scuttle the talks.