Musalia Mudavadi: Kenya’s Shortest Serving Vice President

Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi was born on September 21, 1960 in Sabatia, Vihiga District.

He is the only Kenyan politician who does not swear oaths of office because his faith forbids it.

Mudavadi served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2008 to 2012 May when he resigned officially to join the presidential race and is the immediate former Party Leader of Amani National Congress (ANC) after decamping from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by Raila Odinga.

He first became an MP in 1989, when he was elected unopposed to take the Sabatia Constituency seat vacated by his deceased father Moses Mudavadi.

Education Background

Musalia graduated from the University of Nairobi (Master in lands economics). He also graduated from the same learning institution with a Bachelor of Arts, Land Economics in 1984.

He attended the Nairobi School for his A levels. He also went to Nairobi Primary School.

Political Positions

May 2012 – 4th March 2013 : Deputy Prime Minister

2011 – 4th March 2013 : Aspirant President of Kenya

2008 – 4th March 2013 : Member of Parliament for Sabatia

2007 – 14th January 2013 : Founder Member of Orange Democratic Movement

April 2008 – April 2012 : Deputy Prime Minister & Cabinet Minister of Local Government

November 2002 – December 2002 : Vice President of Kenya

July 2002 – December 2002 : Cabinet Minister for Transport & Communications

1998-2002: MP for Sabatia

1992 – 2002 : Vice Chair of Kenya African National Union

September 1999 – June 2001 : Cabinet Minister for Transport & Communications

January 1998 – September 1999 : Cabinet Minister of Agriculture

July 1998 – May 1999 : Leader of Government Business, Parliament

January 1993 – December 1997 : Cabinet Minister of Finance

1993 – 1997 : Member of Parliament for Sabatia

May 1989 – 1992 : Cabinet Minister for Supplies & Marketing

1989 – 1992 : Secretary of Kenya African National Union

1989 – 1992 : Member of Parliament for Sabatia

Family

Musalia who recently lost his mother Hannah Mudavadi and step-mother Rosebella, is the son of Moses Mudavadi.

His wife is Tessie Shaghatti Mudavadi with whom he shares three children; Maryanne Mudavadi, Moses Mudavadi, Michael Mudavadi.

In 2022, he joined the Kenya Kwanza Alliance under which William Ruto vied for the presidency. Ruto went on to win the seat with over 7 million votes.

Dr Ruto appointed Musalia as the Prime Cabinet Secretary, making him the third most senior government official.