MPs make plans for Mudavadi after Ruto's lunch

An ally of Deputy President William Ruto on Saturday reached out to politician Musalia Mudavadi, asking him to consider a political pact ahead of the 2022 general election.

Bomet Central member of parliament (MP) Ronald Tonui said Mr Mudavadi, leader of Amani National Congress (ANC), should have lunch with Mr Ruto just as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga did.

READY

MP Tonui spoke on Saturday at the funeral of Elina Anuna, who was the mother of Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba. She died aged 82.

Mr Mudavadi, a principal of the National Super Alliance (Nasa) attended the ceremony.

The others in the opposition coalition are Mr Odinga, Wiper party boss Kalonzo Musyoka and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula of Ford Kenya party.

Mr Tonui acknowledged Mr Mudavadi's position as a Western region leader but said the DP's camp is ready to embrace him.

"I belong to Ruto's camp. We love working with everyone. Our leader ate lunch with Raila Odinga. We would love to have lunch with leaders from Western," he said in his address to mourners at Esirulo Primary School in Emuhaya, Vihiga County, where the funeral service took place.

"SUFFERING KENYANS"

In a quick rejoinder, however, Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi dismissed Mr Tonui's call, saying Mr Mudavadi can only dine with suffering Kenyans.

Mr Agoi, the ANC leader's ally, said he quickly consulted his party boss and that they agreed to turn down the request.

"As they eat lunch, millions of Nasa supporters suffered in poverty. Mudavadi should stay with struggling Kenyans and fight for their welfare," he said.

"Leaders are now having lunch alone as Kenyans suffer. We are preparing Mudavadi to take over and bring lunch to the tables of many Kenyans."

Mr Mudavadi kept off the debate.

POSSIBILITIES

Mr Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta had lunch at Mr Ruto's Karen home in Nairobi County on Friday.

Businessman Jimi Wanjigi also attended the meeting, that was seen as a move to open a new chapter in the on and off relationship between the State and the shadowy businessman.

The meeting could also signal a rapprochement between Mr Ruto and Mr Odinga, who have been critical of each other in recent months.

Earlier in the day, all four attended a memorial service for the former Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairperson, Jane Kiano at the ACK St. Francis Church in Karen.