Battle grounds may have been drawn following President Uhuru Kenyatta's decision to appoint Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i as the chairman of powerful National Development Implementation and Communication Cabinet Committee, which reports to him directly.
With Uhuru now concerned about cementing his legacy through the Big Four agenda, he has often warned about early campaigns for 2022 polls. Matiang'i, now a career minister, will be entrusted with among others, supervising, guiding, monitoring communicating progress of government projects to Uhuru.
At Nyeri in October, Uhuru accused a section of Jubilee leaders of derailing his agenda through persistent politicking. Further, the president warned that his choice could shock many.
"We were elected to work for the people. When that time comes, I will let people know about my choice and it will shock you," the president said.
And the elevation of Matiang'i as 'Chief Minister' could be interpreted as demotion of DP William Ruto, who has been traversing the country in the pretext of launching new projects.
Political analyst Gideon Mamboleo says Matiang'i's new duties could be a silent communication by Uhuru to DP Ruto that it's either he supports Big Four agenda or 'quits'.
"Of course that is a big signal. The DP should have been in charge of the committee. It would have given him more time to interact with people. This could as well mean that Uhuru has more confidence in Matiang'i."
Dr Matiang'i, an academic guru, was at one point a personal assistant to veteran politician Simion Nyachae before joining teaching at the University of Nairobi.
His parents were born in South Mugirango but he was raised Borabu, Nyamira. At some point last year, it was rumoured that he was intending to succeed Governor John Nyagarama.
Should Uhuru chose to support Matiang'i, he'd be the third Kisii to be on a presidential ballot after Simion Nyachae and legendary George Anyona.
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