Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi has cemented his position as one of President William Ruto‘s dependable aides within the Kenya Kwanza government.
Since taking over as the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS, Mudavadi’s political stature was elevated – the man from the vote-rich Mulembe Nation is now the face of Kenya.
However, the arrival of King Charles III and Queen Camilla was the icing on the cake, thrusting the son of Mululu into the limelight.
In a highly political country, Mudavadi’s rising star cannot go unnoticed, as questions emerged about the whereabouts of Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua whose trip to Europe coincided with the King’s visit.
Moreover, Mudavadi has been meeting with a host of foreign dignitaries as part of his duties as CS.
He recently met with Japanese Ambassador to Kenya Okaniwa Ken after the two held talks with President Ruto at State House.
Further, he received Angolan President Joao Lourenco during his official visit to Kenya on October 19.
However, Mudavadi’s prominence comes at a time when there are alleged differences between President Ruto and DP Gachagua.
With Ruto’s political succession already in the minds of many Kenyans, should DP Gachagua be worried about Mudavadi’s fortune?
Is Mudavadi A Threat?
Speaking to The Kenya Times, Political Analyst Prof. Herman Manyora said Mudavadi’s CS post is a boost to his political career.
Prof. Manyora explained that he will meet more dignitaries and make international networks more than DP Gachagua.
“As CS Foreign Affairs he now sits on the security council meaning that Gachagua will be seeing him in the security team. These are some of the things that can worry the DP,” said Manyora.
Similarly, Political Analyst Maimuna Mwidau explained that Mudavadi’s new position has elevated his status to international standard.
“While he still was PCS, it was a local arrangement that had no stature in comparison to that of the DP which is a position provided for in the laws of the country with specific duties above every other appointment and only below the President,” said Maimuna.
Additionally, Maimuna argues that this will allow the former Vice President to display his abilities in running government affairs.
“This has been seen just recently the role he has played during the visit of his royal highness the King of United Kingdom and his Queen,” she said.
Also Read: Why Ruto is at Will to Dump Mudavadi & Wetangula – Analysts
Mudavadi’s ties with Ruto
Further, Prof. Manyora stated that as Foreign Affairs CS, Mudavadi is closer to President Ruto than Gachagua.
“Many of the times CS Foreign Affairs briefs the President even more than the DP because he is interacting with foreign dignitaries, governments, and bilateral partners,” stated Manyora.
So, he is closer to the President more than the DP, which can worry him (Gachagua) if Mudavadi was to be a competitor but if it were Alfred Mutua, he wouldn’t be concerned,” explained Manyora.
DP position intact
However, Maimuna stated that DP Gachagua should not be worried about the elevation of the PCS
According to Maimuna, Gachagua’s position is still intact, and his role is very well defined by the Constitution.
“Politics is about numbers; the DP can only worry if the Mount Kenya votes shift their support and the Luhya unite to back their own son.
Only when this happens then Gachagua needs to worry a lot as 2027 is just round the corner,” said Maimuna.
Instead, he advised the two leaders to focus on development agenda so that come 2027 they can defend their achievements and seek new mandate.
Also Read: Why Raila Might Support Ruto in 2027
Mudavadi’s Political Career
Mudavadi is a seasoned politician who has been relevant in Kenyan politics since 1989 when he was elected as Member of Parliament (MP) for Sabatia Constituency.
Moreover, he has served in various capacities from the KANU regime up to the current Kenya Kwanza government.
This includes serving as Vice President between November 4, 2002, and January 3, 2003.
In comparison, this already supersedes the political career of DP Gachagua who only served as a one term MP for Mathira Constituency.
Additionally, between 1989 and 1993, Late President Daniel Moi appointed Mudavadi as Minister for Supplies and Marketing.
He was later moved to be Finance Minister, a position Mudavadi held up to 1997.
Also, Mudavadi served as Minister for Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), and Transport and Communication during Moi’s reign.
Under the coalition government, he served alongside former President Uhuru Kenyatta as Deputy Prime Minister.
In the run up to the 2022 general elections, Mudavadi supported Ruto under the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
He later assumed thePCS office before being appointed Foreign and Diaspora CS.
