In the heat of the 2022 election, Musalia Mudavadi surprised many when he defied Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, who seemed easier to agree with – to cast his weight behind William Ruto for President.
It appeared an unpopular decision then, but he was justified when Ruto won and he secured the position of Prime Cabinet Secretary. Hitherto seen as a not-so-strong politician, this meticulous decision elevated Mudavadi to a higher standing politically.
Most importantly. When President Ruto made his first Cabinet shuffle, Mudavadi was elevated further as the Foreign Affairs docket was stripped from Dr Alfred Mutua and added to him. Since then, Kenya’s diplomatic activities have been observed to have improved significantly, with the bid by Kenya to secure the African Union Commission chairmanship through Raila Odinga, a powerful move. It may not be a surprise for Kenyans who have been aware of Mudavadi’s competency in running government work.
With a career spanning decades and a track record of distinguished service to the nation, Mudavadi stands out as a beacon of competency and leadership in Kenya's foreign affairs arena. The President must have been very keen to shore up Kenya’s relations internationally, to ensure Kenya does not play a peripheral role but be rather methodical and strategic.
Mudavadi's political journey is characterised by a series of significant roles he has held within the Kenyan government. From his early days as a member of Parliament representing Sabatia constituency to his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government, Mudavadi has consistently demonstrated his commitment to public service and his ability to effectively manage diverse portfolios. This experience is very critical and Ruto must have wanted to leverage it.
One of Mudavadi's defining attributes is his reputation as a peaceful politician, often described as a bridge-builder and a consensus-seeker. Throughout his career, he has prioritised dialogue and reconciliation, earning him widespread admiration for his ability to foster unity and harmony in times of political turbulence.
Kenya has had its political challenges, some taking us to extremes such as the 2007-08 post-election violence that caught international attention. In the negotiations that followed led by Kofi Annan, Mudavadi was in the mix and the results were a pact that ended the turmoil, but also compelled the antagonistic politicians to work together in the Grand Coalition Government.
However, this commitment to peace and consensus-building has occasionally been mistaken for weakness by some observers. In Kenya's highly polarised political landscape, where aggression and confrontation often dominate the discourse, Mudavadi's measured approach can sometimes be misconstrued as indecisiveness or lack of resolve.
Until the 2022 election, the Western region was seen as the bedrock of Raila Odinga, but with Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula, Ruto garnered significant votes and Kenya Kwanza parties secured legislative positions.
It is always a pleasure for Kenyans watching Mudavadi’s interviews with the media because he comes out as a true technocrat, one perfectly abreast with important matters, Kenyan politics and economics in great detail.
Behind Mudavadi’s calm and composed demeanour lies a steely determination and a keen strategic mind. Mudavadi's ability to navigate complex political dynamics with grace and poise has earned him the respect of allies and adversaries alike. Taking this experience internationally adds value and will continue to make Kenya stand out as a level-minded authority in African and world politics.
“Kenya will participate in the upcoming AUC elections in 2025 to leverage its position within the African Union to champion institutional reforms and advance the Pan-African Agenda,” Mudavadi told the African Diplomatic Corps in Nairobi on March 4. Mudavadi was the first person to hint that something great was on the way.
Mudavadi's decision to throw his weight behind Raila's bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship speaks volumes about his strategic vision for Kenya's foreign policy objectives. Raila's candidacy represents a unique opportunity for Kenya to assert its leadership within the AU and advance its agenda of promoting peace, security and development across the continent.
Mudavadi believes Kenya's position in the African Union will be strengthened if Raila secures the AUC chair position in 2025, replacing Musa Faki. “Kenya, one of the pilot countries in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), exported its first goods of locally made car batteries and tea to Ghana in October 2022,” he further disclosed, recently showing intent to spruce up Kenya’s fortunes in Africa.
Mudavadi's unwavering support for Raila's bid is grounded in a deep-seated belief in Odinga's qualifications and abilities to lead the AUC effectively. As a seasoned politician with a wealth of experience in African politics and governance, Raila brings a unique perspective and a strong track record of championing Pan-Africanism to the table.
By not only rallying behind, but heeding the President’s front of Raila's candidacy, Mudavadi is not only demonstrating his commitment to Kenya's national interests but also his dedication to Africa's collective prosperity and unity. Together with Ruto and Odinga, they form a formidable campaign team, poised to elevate Kenya's influence within the AU and shape the continent's future trajectory.
With his level-headed approach to politics, extensive experience in government, and strategic vision for Kenya's diplomatic and internal objectives, Mudavadi is well-positioned to assist greatly in Kenya’s improvement and that means he will be a key to the future of Kenyan national politics, perhaps even become president after Ruto.
Indeed, Mudavadi would also have fit perfectly into running Kenya’s economy if he was given that position, which demonstrates his wide-ranging abilities. Many can rest easy, knowing that Mudavadi and other able Kenyans sit in the National Security Council, the key national security organ, which includes the President, Inspector General of Police, Chief of the Army, and other high-ranking officials.