As the 2017 general election draws nigh, politicians in Nakuru county are reading their guns to battle out for various positions.
The battle that will attract much attention will be the governorship position which will see incumbent, Kinuthia Mbugua, battle it out with other heavy weights to retain his seat.
According to political analyst Prof Charles Nywera, the fight for the governorship will be a two horse race between Mbugua and Nacada boss John Mututho, who is said to have shown interest in the county's top seat.
According to Nywera, the two have considerable ground support that can guarantee them a win in next year's polls.
Speaking Tuesday during a phone interview, the professor said Mututho enjoys huge backing in Gilgil, Naivasha, Nakuru Town West and East constituencies while Mbugua enjoys support from Molo, Njoro, Kuresoi South and North voters.
"If you look at the two candidates, you will realise that they have almost equal support in four constituencies each and that makes them the top contenders,"he said.
"They will be the biggest contenders for the seat and one of them will definitely be the governor," the Egerton University lecturer added.
Nywera said whoever becomes Nakuru's next governor will be determined by voters in Rongai, Bahati and Subukia constituencies which according to him have neutral voters.
"Whoever will get more votes in the three constituencies will be the next governor.It will take the convincing power of either Mututho or Mbugua tobwin next years polls," he said.
The political analyst said other candidates in the race will have little implication.