With the race for the Mt Kenya kingpin slot hotting up, a number of political leaders are said to be already preparing themselves to take over the defacto slot.
These, according to the Monday Nation, include former Gatanga lawmaker Peter Kenneth and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri.
Others said to be keen on succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta who is approaching his retirement include Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria and former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo.
However, the race seems to have narrowed to a contest pitting Kenneth, a former Presidential aspirant and Kiunjuri, the only leader from the region serving in the Cabinet.
Asked for his opinion, Murang'a Senator Irungu Kangata told the paper that Kenneth, having taken a shot at the top seat in 2013, has proved his ability to stand on his own feet, unlike the others who remain under Uhuru's shadow.
He termed the former Nairobi gubernatorial hopeful a 'good and potential leader' but noted he will need some grooming from the Central Kenya political elite to serve in that capacity.
Another leader said to be eyeing the post is controversial Gatundu South legislator Moses Kuria who has even declared that he will run for the presidency come 2022. He is yet to launch his bid officially.