As 2022 fast approaches and with Uhuru’s term in office coming to an end, a cloud of uncertainty is hanging low around Mt. Kenya.
The region’s upcoming political lightweights are flexing muscles in a bid to succeed Uhuru as the next kingpin, to avoid finding itself in unfamiliar territory: no man on ‘The Seat’.
With this in mind, several leaders from the region are lining up to take over the mantle and become the region’s spokesperson. Those who have expressed their will to succeed Uhuru includes former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, former Kiambu governor William Kabogo, cabinet secretaries Mwangi Kiunjuri and Peter Munya, and a host of other wannabes.
On the other hand, Deputy President William Ruto is among those who have taken a liking for National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi. The Speaker – who hails from the Embu community – is seen as a boost to Ruto’s plan of ascending to the presidency as he will marshal a large number of votes to the DP’s camp.
These leaders, however, do not command a mass following and therefore face the challenge of galvanizing the entire region behind them in order to gather the needed political influence in national politics.
The search for an influential spokesperson has formed the basis of political debate in recent months. Many have expressed that Uhuru’s replacement should emerge naturally and not be forced down people’s throat.
As the search for a successor gains momentum, the region is divided between Tanga Tanga and Kieleweke groups.
Tanga Tanga is associated with leaders who support Ruto’s presidential bid while Kieleweke is opposed to it.
Kieleweke, led by former Starehe MP Maina Kamanda, is said to be secretly campaigning for Baringo Senator Gideon Moi. Gideon is seen as a likely preferred candidate for Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022 as a way of thanking the Moi family for endorsing him in 2002. One time Jubilee vice chairman David Murathe and a section of former and current MPs from the faction are of the opinion that the region does not owe Ruto any debt.
According to pundits, the group has trained its eyes on scuttling any plans to give DP Ruto a direct Jubilee party ticket to vie in the 2022 presidential election.
Reports emerging indicate that the anti-Ruto section is hellbent on fielding their own presidential candidate.
The anti-Ruto movement appears to be made of leaders who are out to destroy the DP, since most of them who were losers in 2017 general elections hold the notion that he played a major role in their downfall.
From the look of things, the Mt. Kenya region has lost political direction and is more divided than has ever been since 1992.
Politics, however, is a game of interests, and it will be interesting to see which candidate the region will settle on to protect their interests beyond 2022.