Nearly 10 years ago, little-known Mike Sonko took Nairobi's political space by storm. But today, the embattled Nairobi Governor is fighting to save his political career.
Barred from accessing his office by the Court over graft allegations, the under-siege Sonko is finding himself in unfamiliar political territory for the 10 years he has been an active player in Nairobi's tough politics. So, what next for the former Makadara MP?
If he plays his cards well, Sonko will emerge strong and bring back on track his dwindling political fortunes. But how?
First, Sonko should rebrand himself and become a "gentleman". To many, the Governor's brand of politics is also his political liability. His critics see him as "unpolished".
As a result of this, the majority of the former Nairobi Senator's supporters are the youth and the poor, in Nairobi slums.He has struggled to win the support of successfully and serious business people.
A move to win the hearts of the two groups of people will no doubt re-start phase two of his political career.
Secondly, Sonko should try hard to be on the "right side" of Kenyan politics.
At the time pressure was starting to mount on Sonko amid graft allegations, many people especially in political arena, claimed that the Governor's problems were purely political. His key political ally, East Africa Legislative Assembly MP Simon Mbugua, asked him to support the Building Bridges Initiative.
Though the Governor has not clearly stated his position on BBI, Sonko is seen by many as a "project" of Deputy President William Ruto in Nairobi.
With the DP having been accused by the pro-BBI forces of allegedly opposing it, Sonko could shake up that Ruto link by throwing his weight behind the report. By so doing, he will find himself on the "right side of history".
Sonko is a political genius. His dominance of Nairobi politics can attest to that. But it is the right time for him to change his political tactics. If not, he will be consigned into the political dustbin.