AAGM: Mudavadi Was the Rainbow Alliance's Reluctant Convert.

(From The Nation (Kenya): AAGM)

Byline: Macharia Gaitho

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Mr Musalia Mudavadi had little choice but to settle for what seems the softer landing.

The Transport and Communications minister had always seemed a reluctant convert to the Rainbow Alliance. And when it became clear there was no stopping the Uhuru Kenyatta juggernaut, Mr Mudavadi had to choose between making his peace with President Moi and jumping aboard, or prepare to abandon Kanu.

And he behaved true to character. Throughout his time as the Great Luhya Hope, Mr Mudavadi has had to live with the perception that he lacks the spine and resolve to make a serious run for State House.

When he seemed to have been overlooked after years of waiting for anointment, however, he had surprised all when he teamed up with other spurned presidential hopefuls to push an unprecedented rebellion against President Moi's campaign for Mr Kenyatta.

Still, questions were asked about whether he had what it takes to last the race. In the early days of the Rainbow Alliance, one of his …