This archive report was first published on 27 July 2021.
ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi has been touring Mt Kenya, seeking a partnership with residents in his presidential quest. During a church service in Nyandarua County, he declared that he was now known as Musalia Mudavadi Macharia, a name that reflects his Kikuyu heritage.
According to Kikuyu culture, Macharia means 'one who searches'. Mudavadi's adoption of this name is a significant move, as it signals his commitment to understanding and connecting with the people of Mt Kenya.
Speaking in Nyandarua County, Mudavadi emphasized the importance of completing President Uhuru Kenyatta's projects, rather than terminating them due to malicious intent. He cited examples of how leaders have frustrated their predecessors' projects, only to start their own.
Regarding claims that President Kenyatta is seeking to extend his term, Mudavadi termed them as propaganda. He pointed out that Uhuru has consistently stated his intention to retire according to the constitution.
Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja, who accompanied Mudavadi on his tour, deconstructed Deputy President William Ruto's plan to give small-scale traders and SMEs money if elected president in 2022. Sakaja argued that the Sh20 billion fund suggested by Ruto would mean that everyone would get only Sh9,000, making the proposal impractical and intended to lure voters.
As an actuarial scientist, Sakaja provided a detailed analysis of the proposal, highlighting the impossibility of distributing such a large sum of money to the target group. He urged Kenyans to interrogate the promises and policies given by politicians seeking political office.
