Seen by many as a rising star in the Kenyan political arena, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has lived to that billing.
Just after 7 years at the center of Kenya's tough politics, Murkomen has already made his name. First, he is the Senate Majority leader and secondly, he is no longer a regional political operator but is now trying to make his voice heard on the national scene.
With Deputy President William Ruto as his political godfather, the former law lecturer is using the skills from his mentor to break the barriers.
As one of Dr. Ruto's most trusted political lieutenants, Murkomen carries the aspirations of the DP to become Kenya's fifth President. Should Dr. Ruto call it a day in his political life, is the Elgeyo Marakwet Senator the man to take over from him?
For over 15 years now, Ruto has been the face of Rift Valley politics. Since the retirement of President Daniel Arap Moi, the DP has dominated the region. Those who have gone against him have been "crushed" with former Bomet Governor Issac Ruto becoming one of the most high-profile casualty.
Even to a political genius, fitting into the DP's huge political shoes is a monumental task. But could Murkomen be that man?
As a the leader of the Rift Valley Parliamentary Group, Murkomen is like Dr. Ruto's man to monitor his Rift Valley political backyard. Why? The DP seems to trust him that much.
A political heavyweight in his own rights, Murkomen announced his arrival into the political scene in 2013 after trouncing former powerful Minister, Nicholas Biwott in the senatorial race. He did it again in 2017 by thrashing former Inspector General of Police, David Kimaiyo.
At 40 years, Murkomen is at the prime age of his political career, and he could be ripe to succeed the DP, just in case he hangs his political boots. But Ruto rivals in the region will give it a fight.