Raila, ODM never tried to take power through unconstitutional means - Mudavadi

Speaking at the ODM Founders’ Dinner in Mombasa on Saturday, Mudavadi said Raila’s approach during the 2007–08 post-election violence demonstrated a commitment to lawful solutions.

“Raila and ODM have never, to the best of my knowledge, tried to take power through unconstitutional means, he would always say we must find a legal way of dealing with this crisis,” he stated.

Mudavadi recounted the negotiations that led to the formation of the Grand Coalition Government, following an intense mediation effort led by Kofi Annan, Benjamin Mkapa and Graca Machel. The coalition was later formalised through Parliament.

The mediation enacted in the National Accord and Reconciliation Act of 2008, which created a power-sharing agreement signed on February 28, 2008, by then-President Mwai Kibaki and Opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Mudavadi added that ODM has remained central in championing electoral reforms and strengthening electoral bodies through legal processes.

"I am saying this because it is important when we look around that a strong nation will be anchored in the rule of law and in constitutionalism. And dialogue and conversation and coalition building are not a bad thing," he stated.

"What is key is that at the end of the day, let us all uphold the constitution as we move forward."

The PCS further said that the party has played a key role in steering the country through a moment of political instability.

“ODM and Raila have midwifed stability and smooth transition in this country,” he said, adding that Raila often emphasised that Kenya was greater than individual ambitions.

Mudavadi stated that the 2010 Constitution would not have transpired without ODM’s input, as he recounted tense Naivasha negotiations where the party insisted on establishing devolution in the new constitution.

“I will cede ground on the parliamentary quest, but I will not cede ground on devolution,” he quoted Raila as saying.

He said its stand ensured devolution became one of the key pillars of Kenya’s current governance system.