At least five politicians have been included in Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i's 'kitchen cabinet' as race for 2022 politics gather momentum.
The career civil servant has solely been depending on advice from technocrats among them Ken Nyaundi and Solicitor General Ken Ogeto.
But with all eyes now targeting 2022, Matiang'i, who is busy projecting himself as Abagusii community kingpin, is keen to give a stab at presidency.
Last Saturday, a team of over 30 leaders met at Mekenene in Borabu MP Ben Momanyi's home where an interim team of politicians was chosen to spearhead his grasp in Gusii region.
Senator Okong'o Mogeni, a Senior Counsel, was tasked to lead the team. He will be assisted by Speaker Moffat Teya, another close friend of Matiang'i.
Women Representative Jerusha Momanyi, former MP Okioma Mwancha and Majority Leader Duke Masira are also among those in the steering team.
Others led by Governor John Nyagarama, Governor James Ongwae, Simba Arati, Ben Momanyi among others, will only play advisory role in the plan.
A series of political activities are expected to be held across Kisii and Nyamira Counties in future, a move aiming at taming Deputy President William Ruto.
However, Matiang'i's team is yet to meet with Raila's team, with the former PM also enjoying support from the region. Matiang'i supports handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
A group of ODM leaders from the region led by Samuel Omwando and Richard Kaka, have openly opposed Matiang'i's campaigns in the region.
"We support the handshake but some ODM people cannot purport to be popularising the party yet they are supporting some funny agendas," he said.
Similar sentiments were shared by former Nyaribari Chache MP Dr Chris Bichage, who insisted that ODM remains the only party which can unite Abagusii community.
"As ODM, we are confident that the party is still strong. Those pulling strings should be careful. Otherwise, we shall not allow anybody to hoodwink us," he said.
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