The Powerful Politicians behind Raila’s swearing-in delays

mary kulundu

January 27, 2018 4:24 PM

Finally revealed

Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi on Saturday admitted being among the leaders who caused the delay in the swearing-in of National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking during a People’s Assembly meeting in Homa Bay Mr. Mudavadi disclosed that the previous swearing-in ceremonies because he, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula convinced Mr. Odinga otherwise.

Previously, the former Prime Minister announced that he would be sworn-in as the People’s President in November, which never happened. The Opposition then pushed it to December 12 but later postponed it to January 30, 2018.

"I am among the politicians delaying the swearing in of Raila Odinga. We were together with Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula but we cannot hold on anymore because brake imekatika.

“We restrained Raila and told him to hold on first, in November. We went further restrained him on December 12 and told him to be patient.," he said.

Mudavadi mentioned that they were simply trying to create time to see if the issue could be resolved using other means.

However, the ANC leader noted that this time around they will continue with the ceremony as planned.

Mudavadi's admission comes days after speculations were rife that the controversial swearing-in scheduled for January 30, 2018 was causing division in NASA. However, the Opposition denied any rift.

No more dialogue

On Friday, NASA CEO Norman Magaya announced that the door for dialogue between Mr Odinga and President Uhuru was closed.

Speaking at Intercontinental Hotel NASA CEO Norman Magaya stated that the Opposition gave the Head of State ample time to initiate talks but ignored.

Mr. Magaya mentioned that the dialogue now will take place after the swearing-in o NASA leader Raila Odinga as the People’s President on January 30, 2018.

“We gave President Kenyatta enough time to have a dialogue with us and I can assure you that the door is now closed. The swearing-In will go on as initially planned and dialogue may happen after January 30 between two presidents,” he said.