Murathe , the man who met with Mudavadi, is no ordinary central Kenya politician. He is Uhuru’s close ally and confidant, having played a major role in his presidential campaigns in 2013 and 2017.
He was also at the forefront in the formation of TNA party and later transforming the Jubilee Coalition into Jubilee Alliance Party, the precursor to the current Jubilee Party.
And this why the meeting has stirred the political grapevine.
Mudavadi has previously urged the Luhya community to unite with other regions and consolidate his votes for 2022.
Luhyas have produced 3 vice Presidents Kijana Wamalwa, Awori n Mudavadi but nothing to show
Lunyas dont understand what power means and that’s why likes of @KBonimtetezi et al are ready to sacrifice their souls for coins at the expense of the community. I feel sad as a luhya?
— Shujaa (@Shujaa03) November 13, 2018
“Look beyond community. The biggest opportunity for us is to join with other communities and push our agenda,” he said.
Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza joined Mudavadi and said that being elected on an ANC ticket was a clear sign that the party is not tribal and that it has the support of all Kenyans.
“Our road to 2022 is clear – it is Mr Mudavadi who has what it takes to lead this country and we must start now,” Mr Tandaza said.
Murathe hosted Mudavadi for more than seven hours at his rural home in Gatanga.
The two attended the burial of renown businessman Muchai Githu in Shomo village, Gatanga constituency, before retreating to Murathe’s home around 5pm.
Mudavadi is reported to have left Murathe’s house after midnight, sparking intense speculation on the mission and substance of their meeting.
Also in the meeting described as “a men-only club” were a few businessmen and influential political operatives who had been invited by Murathe. They included Capt Kungu Muigai, Uhuru’s cousin and de facto spokesman of the Kenyatta family.
Kungu is known to be in the President’s inner circle and is patron of the National Council of Elders and inter-community networking group.
BREAKING NEWS: Having exposed @RailaOdinga and @skmusyoka as conmen and cowardly hypocrites and destroyed them, the Kenyatta and Moi dynasties have CHOSEN @MusaliaMudavadi as Muigai’s successor deputized by @MoiGideon. The NRMKe revolution will not be sabotaged.#SayNoToUjinga
— Dr. Miguna Miguna (@MigunaMiguna) November 14, 2018
The meeting comes barely two weeks after President Kenyatta told a gathering of Nyeri leaders that he will shock them with his preference for successor.
His statement, made against the backdrop of divided opinion in central Kenya over his successor within the Kikuyu community and support for the 2022 Presidential election sent tongues wagging. Some have interpreted it to mean Deputy President William Ruto is not guaranteed of his — and by extension the central Kenya — backing while others say it was directed at pouring cold water on the premature 2022 election campaigns.
Wow wow! So the reports are coming out. Musalia Mudavadi to be deputized by Gideon Moi! I think we are yet to see interesting times ahead.
— Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) November 14, 2018
Murathe has in the past openly differed with Ruto’s allies who have accused him and others around the President of trying to undermine the DP’s bid. But the former Gatanga MP has dismissed those claims, telling the Star in a past interview that it was in the interest of Ruto for Jubilee to stay intact and his allies should not cause a split.
Since his re-election, Uhuru has avoided making any direct endorsement of Ruto’s presidential bid despite their Jubilee pact.
His November 3 declaration that his choice in the 2022 succession politics would be a shocker to many was the closest he had come to commenting on the controversy.
In 2013, a deal between Uhuru and Ruto to support Mudavadi for the presidency aborted after Uhuru was pressured to back out and contest. He rescinded his decision which he blamed on the devil and went on to win the election, with crimes against humanity charges hanging on his head at the ICC. Mudavadi was left with egg on his face and performed dismally at the election. He attempted to run in 2017 but abandoned his bid and supported Raila Odinga, for whom he was chief campaigner.
Incidentally, Peter Kenneth, who is Murathe’s close ally is seen as the front runner to succeed Uhuru as central Kenya’s preeminent political figurehead. He has yet to show ambition for 2022 although he is expected to gun for the top two positions.