Mudavadi, the proverbial cat with 9 lives destined for greatness:Opinion by George Manono.

Described by many as Kenya’s most gentle politician, Hon Musalia Mudavadi’s reputation of clean politics, political acumen and shrewdness stands out in the country’s murky political landscape.

When the nation was facing economic turmoil during Moi’s era, it is the young Mudavadi who was called upon to rescue the sinking ship. At a young age, Mudavadi steered the finance docket so well that investor confidence was restored.

Never say die spirit.
Hon Mudavadi has cultivated a history of not giving up even when the odds seem to be against him. His loyalty and a spirit of standing by his own set standards and principles is admirable.

In 2002 when odds were clearly against him, he sacrificed his position to a point of losing his seat as MP of Sabatia. As a principled man, he declined a nomination by KANU .By choosing to respect the wishes of his people. It only takes a principled person to make such a decision.

Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli once described him as a shrewed and tactical politician.

“
Mudavadi is a tactical politician whose ability to see beyond what the common folks see is highly commendable. His vision to join Kenya Kwanza when the entire nation’s mood was for Azimio was a masterpiece ” Atwoli once said on live TV.

As the gentleman of Kenyan politics, Mudavadi never hates anybody on account of political persuasion.

When  current president William Ruto’s  daughter was getting married, most friends and foe never graced the occasion despite the event being  non political. Despite the fact that Mudavadi had declared his intentions for the top seat, he graced the wedding further cementing his position in Kenya’s  politics as a nationalist who cannot sacrifice his good judgement at the alter of political expediency.

Mudavadi a utility player in Ruto’s government.
When Mudavadi as the party leader of ANC announced that he was ready to work with Hon Ruto’s UDA party in what came to be known as the “earthquake”, his allies Hon Moi of Kanu and Hon Kalonzo of Wiper walked away and joined Raila in Azimio. Little did they know that the occasion marked the grand march to Statehouse.

With Mudavadi’s  support and ofcource  Hon Wetangula in the fold, the die was already cast.
Ruto was destined to become the 5th president of Kenya. This selfless move can only be undertaken by a person who puts the nation before self. That person is none other than Hon Musalia Mudavadi.

As prime cabinet  Secretary in the current government, Mudavadi plays a pivotal role in ensuring that all the accounting  officers in ministries  ie P.S. deliver the government promises. This is not a mean task. By the virtue of being a PCS, Mudavadi becomes a roving striker who ensures the government wins in its mandate.

Nicknamed the phantom thanks to his rugby prowess during  his high school days at St Mary’s  school, in the political front he is christined as Messi due to his ability, agility to juggle the political ball and an eye for goals. For sure Dr Ruto is so proud of having such a versatile ball player on his side.

Upon assuming the docket of Foreign affairs  and diaspora relations, Hon Mudavadi’s  approachable demeanour has improved Kenya’s  standing internationally.

From the time be took charge of that docket, we have seen our president make several international trips that have indeed opened up Kenya for investor’s.  The recent trip to the US has not only opened up Kenya for US entrepreneurs but for global market  considering that Uncle Sam is basically the world.

Kenyas bid for AU chairman  achievable under Mudavadi

With Raila’s bid for AU chairmanship already endorsed by the government, it is now incumbent upon Hon Mudavadi to ensure that his candidacy sells.

Afew weeks ago, Hon Raila and Hon Mudavadi met at the Prime Cabinet secretarie’s office where Mudavadi promised to ensure that Raila clinches that prestigious position for Kenya.
Mudavadi understands  that for one to become great, he must stand on the shoulders of fellow great men to be even greater. Mudavadi has chosen never to revisit the political spats he and Odinga have had before but chosen to put Kenya first and ensure Rt Hon Odinga clinches the position for Kenya.

The humble, cool, calm and collected son of former local government minister Moses Mudamba Mudavadi is earmaked for greater things in this nation.

Mudavadi is less toxic and easily  acceptable  across the nation. This very trait makes him the Cornerstone on which Ruto’s government is anchored.

What next for Mudalia Mudavadi the humble giant? Time will tell.

George B Manono is a political commentator  based in Nairobi.