Kakamega County Governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya is serving his second and final term in office.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) governor is yet to hint on his possible successor even as the 2022 succession politics take shape.
Several vocal politicians are however said to be eyeing Oparanya’s seat in the much awaited 2022 general election.
Here are five politicians who are likely to seek Oparanya’s seat in the 2022 election.
1. Bonny Khalwale
The former Kakamega Senator has branded himself as ‘mtetezi wa wanyonge’. He unsuccessfully contested the Kakamega governor seat in the 2017 general election.
Khalwale remains among favorite politicians to take over from governor Oparanya in 2022 owing to his political experience and exposure.
The former Senator also boosts of wide political networks in the country’s top political circles.
Khalwale who has declared support for Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid is yet to indicate on whether he will be on the gubernatorial ballot in 2022 polls.
2. Cleophas Malala
The Kakamega Senator is currently among vocal politicians in Western Kenya.
The first term senator is likely to bid for the Kakamega governor seat in 2022 polls.
Malala enjoys massive support from youth and women in Kakamega County.
The Senator is vocal on issues facing residents especially sugarcane farmers.
3. Elsie Muhanda
The Kakamega women representative is also likely to bid for the governor seat in 2022.
The ODM MP is serving her first term in office and has seen her influence popularity among residents steadily rise.
4. Cyrus Jirongo
The former Lugari MP is among veteran politicians in Western region.
Jirongo is likely to bid the Kakamega governor seat in a bid to revive his political career.
The former MP is however yet to hint on whether he will be eyeing to succeed Oparanya.
5. Ayub Savula
The current Lugari Member of Parliament (MP) is serving his second term in office.
Savula is likely to bid for the Kakamega Governor seat owing to his rising political influence in the county.
It is a matter of time to see if these politicians will be battling out to succeed governor Oparanya in 2022 polls.
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