Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang' Nyong'o is a seasoned leader. He has been in politics long enough that his credentials in a discipline that some analysts describe as a 'dirty game' brightly cast light.
He is serving his first term as governor after successfully ousting Jack Ranguma during the August 8th, 2017 general election. But does the former University lecturer stand a chance of getting re-elected in 2022? Yes. Why?
1. Performance
Prof Nyong'o is presently ranked among the best performing governors in Kenya. He ranks second after Makueni's Prof Kivutha Kibwana and his quest to ensure he implements his development agenda has only endeared him to the people of Kisumu.
Whoever plans to challenge him in 2022 therefore, must roll up their sleeves high in preparation for a political contest that may not turn out easy.
Nyong'o since assuming office introduced a raft of measures that involve jacking development in the county. His administration is presently upgrading all roads as it is also rehabilitating health facilities to improve service delivery in the health sector.
It is also during his term that East Africa Breweries Ltd constructed a beer making industry in Kisumu. The beer maker is contracting over 5,000 farmers to supply millet to the plant.
Another 3,500 dealers who will be expected to directly sell the Senator Keg from the firm have already been listed. Some of the beneficiaries of the investment, however, come from neighboring counties.
2. Political maturity
Nyong'o began politics over three decades ago shortly after graduating with a First Class degree in Political Science at Makerere University in Uganda.
Before becoming governor, he served as MP for Kisumu Rural as well as Senator for Kisumu. He is experienced in politics and will undoubtedly tactfully outfox his rivals during the polls in which Kenyans will also elect the country's fifth President.
The academic also enjoys a good relationship with opposition leader Raila Odinga who commands a huge following in Kisumu. If the two remain close ahead of 2022, then Nyong'o would be all smiles after ballot papers have been counted. It's never easy to defeat any politician who is close to Raila in Nyanza.
#hivisasaoriginal