The supremacy battle for control of the Central Kenya region has narrowed down to two political heavyweights, nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura has observed.
As the 2022 succession begins to take shape, Mwaura has named Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto as the leaders with massive support in the populous region.
In a tweet on Friday, the vocal Jubilee Senator likened Central Kenya to a bride being courted by two suitors, who both have support of her close relatives.
Referring to President Uhuru Kenyatta as the father of the bride and former legislators as her uncles, Mwaura said the group was in support of Raila.
On Ruto's side, the senator said it was a section of current Members of Parliament whom he described as the bride's brothers and sisters.
"Central Kenya is like a bride fought for by 2 men. Raila and Ruto. Raila has ran away with the Father and uncles (President and former MPs), while Ruto has taken sides with the brothers and sisters (most current MPs). When time comes to pay dowry, who do you negotiate with?" he posed.
Although Uhuru has not publicly declared his preferred candidate in the 2022 general election, he has been asking Mt Kenya leaders and residents to support his handshake with Raila and the resultant Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), which he says is aimed at bringing peace and stability in the country.
However, MPs allied to Tanga Tanga faction have been opposing the calls claiming BBI was meant to sabotage Ruto's presidential bid in favour of Raila.
Former Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando Wa Kabando, who is allied to Kieleweke faction, on Friday accused the Tanga Tanga diehards of suffering from what he termed as 'Railaphobia'.
"Handshake detractors should give us better reason than Railaphobia. It’s Uhuru who invited Raila for a handshake. Fight one, you fight both," Kabando tweeted.