Opposition leader Raila Odinga is set to battle with Deputy President William Ruto for the control of the lucrative Council of Governors polls.

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CoG is critical in pushing grassroots development thus the keen interest by the two leaders ahead of 2022.

The contest will however not be between Jubilee and ODM like in the past, given the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.

Ruto's team is pushing for Mandera Governor Ali Roba as chairman of the council with Uasin Gishu boss Jackson Mandago backed for Vice-Chairman.

The team allied to Raila Odinga is keen to have Wycliffe Oparanya and Mwangi Iria retained as Chair and Vice Chairman respectively for the final term.

Oparanya on Saturday revealed that preparations were in the final stages, adding that the polls will be free and fair as usual.

“Preparations for the elections are ongoing. Governors will conduct their elections peacefully the way they have always done before,” Oparanya said.

Currently, over 30 governors support the Handshake, a move that could, after all, decide who wins in Monday's poll.

Chief Executive Officer Jackline Mogeni will oversee the polls. She's wife to Nyamira Senator Okong'o Mogeni.

Ruto and Raila have been at loggerheads with observers warning of fierce competition in President Uhuru Kenyatta's succession battle.