Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has predicted a tough presidential race in 2022, dubbing it 'hot' and breathtaking.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to retire in 2022 and already the succession debate is gaining momentum, with more than two years to the next polls.

Uhuru has steered off politics, insisting that he's much concerned with bringing the country together besides leaving behind a good legacy.

However, Kuria believes that the succession race will feature ODM leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto, adding that it's likely to be tough.

"In 2022 it will be hot. A match between an irresistible force and an immovable force. Baba vs Ruto," Kuria said during an interview on Hot 96 FM on Wednesday.

The two have started flexing muscles ahead of 2022 polls, with Mr Odinga calling for constitutional changes that have been opposed by DP Ruto.

In the recent Kibra by-election, Raila's preferred candidate Imran Okoth clinched the seat despite Ruto putting a formidable challenge through McDonald Mariga.

However, despite the indications of a tough contest ahead, Mr Odinga has often dismissed the 2022 debate, arguing that he's keen to help Uhuru deliver on his campaign pledges.

“Odinga does not believe that three years into an election expected in 2022, the media should prioritize who is running, who is ahead, who is behind, who is going to win, what are the odds and who will lose,” said Odinga through his spokesman Dennis Onyango.

Odinga said the media should not force candidates into the race and should rather focus on reporting on real and urgent economic, political and social issues. 

 Odinga believes that three years of dissecting poll numbers and forcing candidates into the race rather than focusing on real and urgent economic, political and social issues that the nation needs to deal with ahead of 2022 is reckless, irresponsible and cheap journalism," Onyango said.