Compiled by Mary Asujo
After being out in the cold for ten years, Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi is back-and-big in government.
Mudavadi is the Prime Cabinet Secretary in the Kenya Kwanza administration, placing top of all ministers, and undoubtedly third most powerful government after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua or Riggy G as he is now popularly referred to by netizens.
“He will oversee the implementation of national government policies, programs and projects,” the President told the nation last month when he unveiled his much-awaited cabinet that is now awaiting vetting by legislators.
During the August elections, Mudavadi had vowed to join the presidential race but dropped his ambitions to support Ruto, forming the Kenya Kwanza alliance that defeated the Azimio One Kenya coalition party which had the support of then incumbent president Uhuru Kenyata who was preferred Opposition leader Raila Odinga to succeed him.
Mudavadi was last in government during the grand coalition government of the late Mwai Kibaki and former Opposition leader Raila Odinga in 2007 – 2013 when he served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government. Odinga who lost the August 2022 presidential election to Ruto had shared government with Kibaki who made him PM.
“I take this opportunity to thank His Excellency The President of The Republic of Kenya Dr. William Ruto for nominating me to serve Kenyans as the Prime Cabinet Secretary,” Mudavadi said when he was named to the post.
Mudavadi will be integral in coordinating and supervising government ministries and state departments in his new powerful role.
With President Ruto committed to achieving his campaign promises especially on improving Kenya’s economy, Mudavadi’s inclusion in his government will come in handy.
Political analyst and advocate Nick Biketi holds that Mudavadi will be very instrumental in helping the Head of State in fulfilling that promise.