Succeeding Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho when his term expires in 2022 is going to be one of the first political battles ever to be witnessed in the county.
Interestingly, the firebrand deputy ODM leader may also find himself at the center of the rivalry with some of his key allies tipped to go for the county top seat.
Widely seen as the frontrunner for the seat, Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, a close Joho associate, may easily clinch ODM ticket. His loyalty to the Raila Odinga-led party has never been in doubt.
But one hurdle lies ahead: will he overcome Mombasa County Speaker Harub Khatri who is claimed to be eyeing the seat and with Joho's blessings?
Whoever clinches the ODM ticket will have to square it out with other heavyweights in Mombasa politics with Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo being another tsunami not to be ignored.
The William Ruto wing -leaning MP is expected to use Jubilee Party as his political vehicle to springboard his political ambitions.
Then there is Hassan Omar. Though the former Senator is playing his game close to his chest, many expect him to try his luck again in a bid to reinvent his political career. And if he does, his presence will add a fresh dimension into the battle.
With former Nyali MP Hezron Awiti seemingly re-strategizing, and businessman Suleiman Shahbal not just ready to leave the stage, the battle for Mombasa will be one of the most interesting political contests.