Ruto’s powerful Cabinet Secretary has deviated from the ruling party’s presidential bid ideology and declared his intention to vie for the presidency in 2032.
Speaking to Western Kenya–based radio stations on Friday, January 30, 2026, he said that should President William Ruto complete his second term in office, he would seek to succeed him.
He emphasized the importance of building national support early, noting that aligning with a party that has a strong national presence is crucial for any presidential contender.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi highlighted that fully embracing the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) would provide easier access to the Rift Valley, where the party enjoys strong support, as well as other parts of the country.
“Ndio maana naambia watu tujipange sasa. Mapema ndiyo best. Tuwe kwa chama ambacho kina footprint kubwa kitaifa, na hicho chama ni UDA. Ukitafuta kiti kwa chama kikubwa kama UDA, mara moja unaingia Rift Valley na sehemu nyingine ambako UDA iko,” he said.
The CS also criticized smaller parties in the Western region, questioning their ability to offer leaders a national platform.
“Ikiwa uko kwa mtumbwi, footprint yako itakuwa namna gani kwa sehemu zingine?” he asked.
According to him, leaders who rely on minor parties risk being confined to local support, limiting their chances of a successful presidential campaign.
Revealing his political strategy, Mudavadi encouraged Western Kenya to align with UDA early, describing it as the only party with nationwide reach and access to power.
“Kwa mapenzi ya Mungu, nikiwa na afya njema, 2032 nitakuwa kwa kinyang’anyiro,” he said, signaling his firm commitment to contesting for the highest office in the country.
This declaration marks a clear shift in the region’s political alignment, positioning Mudavadi as a major contender in the next generation of presidential politics.
