Is Kalonzo Musyoka worried by a Mudavadi – Raila deal?

The opposition Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) is facing its biggest test since formation before the 2013 General Election following the announcement by its leader Raila Odinga that they are in talks with the Amani National Congress leader, Musalia Mudavadi, to form an alliance by February next year.

Wiper Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, who is also a CORD co-principal has expressed reservations on a couple of issues including the proposed date to name the coalition’s presidential flag bearer.

Kalonzo, while addressing a presser in Nairobi on Wednesday, December 7, said matters of the coalition are very delicate and should be handled with care and early enough.

“These things are very delicate. We cannot stay up to May next year for Kenyans to know CORD’s flag bearer,” said Kalonzo.

The entrance of Mudavadi into the CORD’s side complicates the equation for Kalonzo and Moses Wetangula of Ford Kenya.

Kalonzo and Wetangula have consistently maintained that Odinga should shelf his presidential ambition and support either of them for the flag bearer’s position.

The two argue that Odinga, having unsuccessfully tried his luck on the presidency more than thrice should now consider supporting them as they stand better chances to dislodge Jubilee administration from power.

Two weeks ago, Ford Kenya endorsed Wetangula to run for president in the 2017 General Election.

Wetangula’s endorsement was seen as another setback for the already divided coalition, as CORD is yet to settle on a presidential candidate, less than 10 months to the coalition.

But what does the formation of the Super Alliance; the National Super Alliance (NASA) mean for Musyoka and Wetangula?

Three weeks ago, Dr Richard Bosire of the department of political science at the University of Nairobi, told Citizen Digital, that the formation of a new alliance might cause internal discomfort among the principals owing to their perception that Mudavadi has not been with them through the journey.

“There is a perception in CORD that Mudavadi has been sitting on the fringe waiting to be anointed as CORD flag bearer. That might deepen the resolve by Kalonzo and Wetangula to show their disgust over not becoming flag bearers of CORD,” said Bosire.

This has been evident with Kalonzo set to meet Odinga on Thursday, December 8 to discuss the way forward.

In a past interview, Kalonzo said that he would not agree to rest his bid in favour of Mudavadi noting that he (Mudavadi) had not been there during the coalition’s most challenging times including the anti-IEBC protests.

But can Wetangula drop his bid in favour of Mudavadi?

Earlier in the year, Wetangula launched his presidential bid saying that his experience in different legislative and leadership positions has prepared him to lead the country.

Since the formation of CORD, Wetangula has been seen as the coalition’s point man in part of Western Kenya, covering Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties, with Raila enjoying a huge following in Kakamega, Busia and Vihiga counties.

Wetangula’s chances of going it alone are slim as he is unlikely to win the 2017 presidential elections.

According to analysts, he could, however, be a preferred coalition partner in case of a runoff if there is no clear winner in round one.

Mudavadi is seen as a more influential figure in Western than Wetangula and the possibility of adding his votes to CORD’s basket appears enticing to Raila.

The question is: What way CORD?