Emerging details indicate that Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has been holding talks with Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi over the 2022 polls.
Both leaders have since hinted at vying for the presidential slot in the much anticipated race.
It now emerges that Oparanya who doubles up as opposition leader Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader has been seeking Mudavadi's blessings for the race.
Confirming the reports, Oparanya said that there indeed are negotiations between them and the details will be shared with the public in good time.
“I have no problem with who becomes presidential candidate in 2022. We are in dialogue with Mudavadi and you cannot speculate what we are discussing.
Leaders saying one of us should step down should not be of concern to you but concentrate on how we will achieve the top seat. We will soon tell you our agreement, the way forward and our agenda,” he was quoted by the Monday Standard.
Oparanya, a former lawmaker for Butere and Planning Cabinet Minister has since maintained that he will go for a bigger seat after his retirement from his gubernatorial seat in 2022.
This, however, could result to a conflict, following reports that Raila could as well be preparing to take his fifth shot at the seat as some of his allies have since hinted.
Mudavadi, a former Deputy Prime Minister will be taking his second shot at the post after his futile 2013 bid where he emerged a distant third.
Both Mudavadi and Oparanya are from the Western Kenya region, and have reportedly made it clear to Raila that they will not support any of his future bids.
This is after they both backed him when he faced off with President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017.
Also eyeing the Luhya vote is Deputy President William Ruto, who has severally pitched camp in the region under the disguise of development, earning him the backing of some leaders.