Political embers are expected to flare as Kilifi County heavyweights flex their muscles in Governor Amason Kingi succession battle.
Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa and her Kilifi North counterpart Owen Baya, are seen as the frontrunners to take over the prestigious seat.
If she plays her cards well, Jumwa, who is a political heavyweighloss. her own rights can easily clinch the sit and write history as the first woman Governor in the Coast region.
However, her recent political activities which have put her at loggerheads with ODM, may spoil the party for her.
On the other hand, the firebrand Baya, a career educationist, should not be underrated as he is slowly emerging as a new political force in the region.
With claims that he is Kingi's preferred successor, the former Pwani University lecturer will go into contest with a precious headstart.
After being disqualified from the 2017 gubernatorial contest, Prof. Gabriel Katana may decide to try his luck again. His newfound relationship with the governor may as well give him an edge in the 2022 contest. Or is he a spent force?
Then there is former Kaloleni MP Kazungu Kambi, who tried his luck in 2017 but lost to Kingi by a wider margin. Will he get it right in 2022? Time will tell.
Former Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung'aro who was thrashed by Kingi in 2017, is another likely veteran to watch. Will he make amends for his 2017 loss?