Deputy President William Ruto and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho at a past event. [Photo/ zipo.co.ke]
A major political showdown is looming in the Rift Valley as President Uhuru Kenyatta succession race is expected to start in earnest.Deputy President William Ruto is touted by many as the next occupant of the house on the hill. However, he must play his cards well as Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, retired President Daniel Arap Moi's scion is also eyeing the seat.With the two political antagonists expected to square it out, whoever employs better tactics will for sure have a realistic chance to overcome the treachery and be crowned President.Amid fears that President Kenyatta's Central political backyard will abandon Ruto for Senator Moi, the DP should have an alternative should the populous central block fail to rubber-stamp his candidacy.Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is no longer a small political player. He has elevated his status to a national politician and can prove to be a very decisive figure in the Presidential race, considering he enjoys massive support in the Coast region.Politically speaking, he may not be seeing eye to eye with DP Ruto but as they always say, a day in politics is like one year.The possibility of the duo working together cannot be ruled out.Joho will not be eligible to run for another term as Mombasa in 2022. And having already declared his intention to run for President in the next poll, the DP may rope him in to ignite his State House bid tidal wave.The option to play second fiddle to the former Eldoret North MP is an offer that Joho may take up, considering that he still has many years left in the country's political circles.According to an article published in The Star newspaper, Gideon Moi is assembling his political machinery in readiness for the 2022 duel. It's reported that the soft-spoken Senator who plays his cards close to his chest is seeking influence in Uhuru's next cabinet with an eye on the next presidential race. His main aim is said to be to water down the DP's political influence in the Rift Valley.Should this happen, Ruto will be forced to cast his political net wide.Is there a newsworthy accident, incident or event happening in Mombasa County that you want Hivisasa to cover? Tell us what is happening by joining this group and have it published. http://bit.ly/2BipYa6