Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula Absent from Ruto-Raila Pact Signing
As President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga signed a historic cooperation agreement on Friday, the notable absence of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula raised eyebrows. The event, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), was a significant political milestone, yet the absence of two key Western Kenya leaders led to speculation about their stance on the deal.
Why Mudavadi and Wetangula Missed the Event
A fact-check has confirmed that the two leaders were engaged in official duties elsewhere, dispelling any claims of political discord.
Mudavadi began his day attending a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting at State House, chaired by President Ruto. The meeting saw ruling coalition legislators endorse the cooperation deal between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Following this, Mudavadi proceeded to his office for a scheduled meeting at 10 a.m. before heading to Bomet and Kakamega counties for official engagements.
In Bomet, the Prime Cabinet Secretary attended the funeral of Mzee David Kiplang’at Arap Kirinyet, the father of Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Aurelia Rono, in Chemaner village. Later in the day, he traveled to Lugusi, Kakamega County, to represent President Ruto at a Thanksgiving Service at Friends’ Boys School. During the event, Mudavadi presented a school bus in honor of the late Malava MP, Malulu Injendi.
Meanwhile, Speaker Wetangula was in Kimilili, Trans Nzoia County, where he commissioned an eight-classroom story building at Daraja Mungu Comprehensive School. The invitation came from Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, signaling ongoing development efforts in the region. Later in the day, Wetangula attended the requiem mass for the late former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati.
Political Implications of the Pact
The Ruto-Raila agreement marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape, paving the way for collaboration between former rivals. While speculation swirled around Mudavadi and Wetangula’s absence, their participation in prior engagements related to the deal suggests alignment with the government’s strategy.
Analysts believe that the absence of the two leaders does not indicate discord but rather logistical constraints. However, their absence from such a high-profile event may fuel further discussions on the evolving dynamics within Kenya Kwanza and the broader political sphere.
A United Front or Political Maneuvering?
As the political realignment unfolds, all eyes remain on how the new pact will shape the future of Kenyan politics. With Mudavadi and Wetangula holding significant influence in Western Kenya, their continued involvement in government affairs will likely be a key factor in the implementation of the agreement.
For now, their official commitments explain their absence, but the conversation on their role in Kenya’s shifting political terrain is far from over.
In other news: Ruto, Raila Sign Historic Political Pact at KICC
Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula Absent from Ruto-Raila Pact Signing