When President Daniel Arap Moi hand-picked the then nominated MP Uhuru Kenyatta as his preferred successor ahead of the 2002 general election, there was immediate fallout within the ruling party, KANU and for the first time in 40 years, the so-called "Baba na Mama" party lost the election to the united opposition.
The fallout was a confirmation that no one took Uhuru's political credentials seriously.
After all, he had been in politics for less than five years. But with patience, the man from Kiambu has walked his way up and clinched the top seat.
With 2022 elections fast approaching, President Kenyatta is the centre of attraction. Any of his action on the political scene will no doubt have an impact on the next poll.
All the country's top boys are now craving for his attention, from his deputy William Ruto to ODM leader Raila Odinga-his longtime rival, to former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi.
Perhaps, using the skills learnt from his political mentor, President Moi, Uhuru has managed to skillfully play them against each other.
During his political heydays, the self-styled professor of politics, President Moi was very good at this.
One day he is with Raila. The next day he is with Mudavadi. The following day, he is assuring his Jubilee party members that the party is united. In short, only political geniuses can understand Uhuru's real political game plan.
Dealing with shrewd political actors like Raila and Ruto needs wisdom, and Uhuru has confirmed that he is the man capable of handling them.
Going into the next poll where the race to State House is expected to be hotly contested, "professor" Uhuru's actions will be keenly monitored.
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