The 2022 general election will provide ODM leader Raila Odinga probably the very last chance for him to fulfil his presidential ambitions if he decides to take another stab at the presidency which has eluded him four times before.
To do that, the ODM chief requires a formidable team of politicians.
Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya is one man that Raila should never let go. Ranked up there alongside Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi and his FORD Kenya counterpart, the Council of Governor's chair is the man who commands respect not just in Western but across the country. Having been in the game long enough, he is the man capable of marshalling support for Raila in the region especially after the fallout in NASA.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is another political heavyweight that Raila cannot afford to lose. As a crowd favourite especially in ODM rallies, Joho has cemented his place as among the great politicians Coast has ever produced. His presence in ODM is a blessing to the party and its leader.
Makueni, Machakos and Kitui Governors could end up in the Raila camp if the latest happenings are anything to go by.
Alfred Mutua of Machakos is a rising star in Kenyan politics. Kitui's Charity Ngilu is a veteran and so is Prof. Kivutha Kibwana of Makueni.
With Ukambani votes in mind, the trio can help Raila get a share of those numbers from the region's political kingpin, Kalonzo Musyoka.
In Rift Valley, Deputy President William Ruto's backyard, former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto and former Kuresoi MP Zakayo Cheruiyot are the people to watch. Seen as Dr Ruto's rivals, the duo can play a big role in neutralizing the DP's influence.
In his Nyanza backyard, Kisii Governor James Ongwae is no doubt one of Raila's closest allies. And for an area that is slowly becoming a battle around, Ongwae is the man Raila should bank on to "save" him.
For Raila to win, these men and women will play a big role in that victory. After all, they are heavyweights in their own rights.
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