Musalia Mudavadi's new book, Rising Above The Storms of Passion, offers insight into Najib Balala's stunt during 2007 ODM nominations

The day Balala angered Mudavadi by crying in front of Raila

Tony Mukere

December 5, 2019 11:02 AM

Balala is now the Tourism CS

Musalia Mudavadi's new book, Rising Above The Storms of Passion, offers insight into Najib Balala's stunt during 2007 ODM nominations

ANC Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi's newly published memoir has lifted on the games that politicians play in the pursuit of political power.

It has also shown the deep mistrust among political players, even when they are running on the same tea,m.

Mudavadi's autobiography, Rising Above The Storms of Passion, delves on his relationship with Odinga whom he paints as a political strategist who often plays Machievallian tactics to meet his goals.

He tells the story of the ODM presidential nominations in 2007, which Raila contested alongside Mudavadi, William Ruto, Joe Nyaga, and Najib Balala.

Mudavadi writes that the delegates picked to participate in the content held at the Kasarani Sports Stadium were picked carefully to favour Raila.

Just before the delegates were about to vote, Mudavadi writes that a surprise decision was made to allow every candidate to make a speech.

Much to Ruto and Mudavadi's surprise, the first two candidates - Balala and Nyaga - withdrew from the contest in support of Raila.

The ANC leader recalls that Balala did not only support Raila but he started crying while praising the current ODM Leader - something that angered Mudavadi.

"Balala did more than this (withdraw). He engaged in a lap of honor around the auditorium. He seemed to be in high spirits. It was clear he had made a deal with Raila, I do not know to what good however."

"I do not know why Balala was crying. Was he happy that he had a load off his back, or was there some other reason? Maybe we will get to know someday. I was not amused by this game plan, however," Mudavadi writes.

The 2007 ODM presidential nominations emerged with Odinga emerging the winner while Mudavadi and Ruto came second and third respectively.

Balala would later fall out with Raila, leave ODM and is currently the Tourism CS.

Tony Mukere