ANC party leader has castigated President Uhuru Kenyatta for appearing to ask Kenyans to back the candidature of his handshake partner and ODM leader Raila Odinga in the 2022 race.
Mudavadi further appeared to come to the defence of Deputy President William Ruto, whom the Head of State accused of moving too fast on his presidential ambitions.
“We do not want anybody, even at the lowest level, to feel intimidated when making their 2022 choices,” Mudavadi said.
The ANC party leader also warned against intimidating officials of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
“The genesis of tensions in the country has always been botched elections,” he said.
Mudavadi made the remarks on Thursday, while launching the party’s revamped digital platforms and unveiling of the youth charter at ANC headquarters in Nairobi.
Uhuru on Thursday indirectly endorsed Raila and launched a scathing attack on Ruto, whom he described as power hungry.
The President in an indirect reference to Ruto, warned Kenyans against electing the DP, whom he said is in a hurry to take over the reins of power.
He said politics is not a sprint but a marathon insisting that Kenyans will be in for a rude shock on the developments in the State House race.
The President said the campaigns of discrimination including age were backward and that leaders should be elected on their intellectual ability.
“People are elected on their intellectual ability, not physical strength. Leadership is the brain, its not a football match,” Uhuru said in apparent defence of his handshake partner.
Raila is 76.
Uhuru praised his handshake deal with Raila saying it stabilised the country.
According to the President, the peace came in handy during the Covid-19 period because despite the difficulty, the country remains stable as it struggles to rebuilt.
“You can start early (campaigns) with speed but before long you are tired and the person you branded old will come at his pace and overtake you,” the President said.
He told Kenyans to take their time when deciding their next President and not fall for populist promises that look appealing.
“I want to urge you to think and don’t be in a hurry, don’t rush. Better you are accused of being slow, but you reach safely at your destination,” he said.
According to Uhuru, the 2022 race requires experience.
