Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula are in a precarious political position following the recent rapprochement between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
The evolving alliance threatens to shake up the Kenya Kwanza administration, potentially relegating the two Western Kenya politicians to the periphery.
Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi speaks during a past media presser. Photo: Musalia Mudavadi Source: Facebook
The renewed collaboration between Ruto and Raila comes after the latter’s failed bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
The two leaders have since hinted at formalizing their broad-based arrangement, sparking speculation about Raila’s potential inclusion in government.
This development poses a direct threat to Mudavadi, whose role as the supervisor of Cabinet Secretaries could be overshadowed by the creation of a Prime Minister position a role traditionally associated with overseeing government functions.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula. Photo: Nation Source: X
Political analyst Julius Mirii predicts that Mudavadi’s influence could diminish significantly if Raila is integrated into the government.
“If Raila becomes Prime Minister, it will likely cause a duplication of roles, leading to power struggles between the two,” Mirii noted.
Wetang’ula is also navigating turbulent waters as he faces an impeachment bid over allegations of defying a court ruling on Kenya Kwanza’s majority status.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during a past event. Photo: The Star Source: Facebook
His position as Speaker hangs in the balance, with activists mounting pressure for his removal. Efforts by Western Kenya MPs to defend him have taken on an ethnic tone, highlighting the region’s growing political fragility.
Additionally, critics argue that both Mudavadi and Wetang’ula have failed to consolidate the Mulembe nation’s political base, leaving a vacuum that Raila could exploit.
Former ANC official Nechu Saina remarked that the duo had become complacent in government, neglecting their constituencies while Raila, despite his absence, remains a formidable force in Western Kenya.
As the 2027 elections approach, the political calculus in Kenya is shifting rapidly.
Should Raila formally join the Kenya Kwanza administration, Mudavadi and Wetang’ula could find themselves further marginalized, lacking both the political clout and grassroots support needed to maintain their influence.
