Mt Kenya region might be in the exit of the top seat in the land but hunting for a leader who they will vote in and call their own. This is after top influential businessmen and influential political operatives from Mt Kenya have been spotted with Mudavadi in a series of closed door meetings.
On december 26 , ANC Leader Musalia Mudavadi hosted Jubilee Vice chair and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s close ally David Murathe, Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula and Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa in his Mululu home.
Murathe, who is also well known to Mudavadi, was at the forefront in the formation of TNA party and later transformation of the Jubilee Coalition into Jubilee Alliance Party, the precursor to the current Jubilee Party.
The meeting came a month after details emerged of a secret eight-hour meeting between Musalia Mudavadi and Uhuru’s Cousin and Kenyatta’s family spokesman Capt Kungu Muigai hosted by Jubilee Vice chairman David Murathe in Kiambu county.
Kungu is known to be in the President’s inner circle and is the patron of the National Council of Elders and Inter-community Networking Group.
Murathe, who is also Uhuru’s confidant, hosted the two for eight hours at his rural home in Gatanga.
The Gatanga meeting was held from 5 pm on after the burial of renown businessman Muchai Githu in Gatanga constituency.
The ANC party leader is reported to have left Murathe’s house after midnight, sparking intense speculation on the mission and substance of their meeting.
In the meeting described as “a men-only club”, Murathe had also invited several businessmen and influential political operatives.
Murathe told the Star that Mudavadi had shown up for the funeral and he decided to host him since former area MP Peter Kenneth and sitting MP had left for Kitale.
“I was then left with these foreigners who have visited our village and I slaughtered for them as a good host. In fact, I was in China and I brought my trip back by one day to make it for the funeral.
“I drove from the airport straight to Gatanga. I had no clue that he (Mudavadi) was coming but it is true we spent a lot of time together. You know I went to school with him. Do not read anything into it,” Murathe mentioned.
As for the Vihiga meeting ,although Murathe went straight to the Vihiga cultural festival, his presence in Mudavadi’s home was significant because he holds a lot of say within the ruling Jubilee Party.
Mudavadi has been meeting a series of leaders from Central Kenya in his bid to build alliances ahead of 2022.
It’s the first time the Makueni governor has visited Mudavadi’s rural home and his visit is significant, considering that he has openly challenged Kalonzo’s hold of Ukambani.
When he announced that he will retire in 2022, his supporters asked him to consider taking up a higher position.
I’m glad as patron of Vihiga Cultural Society to be joined by Sen Moses Wetangula, CS Eugene Wamalwa, Gov Kivutha Kibwana, Wilber Otichilo, Wycliffe Wangamati, Jubilee Party VC David Murathe, COTU SG Francis Atwoli and Mps during the 39th Anniversary of Logooli Cultural Festival. pic.twitter.com/g28EtpTdOf
— Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) December 26, 2018
Mudavadi, Kibwana and Wamalwa are expected to announce their new partnership later on during the Vihiga Cultural Festival which is held on December 26 every year.
Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula, Bungoma governor Wycliffe Wagamati and a host of local MPs and religious leaders from Bungoma, Trans Nzoia and Vihiga were also at Mudavadi’s home for the meeting.