Why Mudavadi, Wetang’ula skipped Ruto, Raila event
Their absence sparked speculation about their stance on the deal, which brings Raila and his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) closer to Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula were absent during the signing of a political agreement between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Friday.
Their absence sparked speculation about their stance on the deal, which brings Raila and his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) closer to Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
More To Read
Mudavadi’s party, the Amani National Congress (ANC), merged with UDA in January 2025, making his absence from the event notable.
His communication officer, Jacob Ngetich, clarified that Mudavadi was assigned official duties by President Ruto on the same day.
"The Prime Cabinet Secretary was at the KICC briefly but was later sent on assignment by the President. He attended a parliamentary group meeting in the morning before heading to KICC, then left to represent the government at a funeral in Bomet County," Ngetich said.
Speaking at the funeral, Mudavadi backed the Ruto-Odinga agreement. "We must support Ruto to the hilt. His agenda is to unite Kenya, and his move to work with ODM is for the country's progress. As ANC, we chose to join UDA, and I am now a member of UDA in full support of President Ruto," he said.
Later, he delivered a school bus to Friends Boys School, Lugusi, in Kakamega County, as part of government programs.
"The President specifically instructed him to attend these events," Ngetich stated.
For Speaker Wetang’ula, Ford Kenya Secretary General John Chikati explained that he was engaged in funeral preparations for former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati in Kitale.
"The Speaker travelled to assist in the preparations. His absence was not deliberate but due to pressing responsibilities," Chikati said.
He reaffirmed that Ford Kenya remains in Kenya Kwanza, while ODM is only cooperating with UDA and has not officially joined the coalition.
"Ford Kenya is firmly in Kenya Kwanza. ODM is working with UDA but has not formally joined the coalition. Our focus is national stability," he said.
Wetang’ula also shared details of his engagements on social media.
"This afternoon, I commissioned an eight-classroom storey building at Daraja Mungu Comprehensive School in Kibingei Ward, invited by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) in improving infrastructure and education. "This project, a product of NG-CDF, shows why it must be entrenched in the Constitution for continued service delivery," Wetang’ula added.
The agreement between President Ruto and ODM Leader Raila was presented as a step toward easing political tensions and promoting national unity.
A key component of the pact is a 10-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which includes implementing the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
The report proposes creating a Prime Minister's post, cutting government wastage, stopping abductions, and strengthening the fight against corruption.
Top Stories Today
