As 2022 election politics gain momentum, as always, the presidential seat is expected to be hotly contested.
Deputy President William Ruto has so far emerged as the front runner in the President Uhuru Kenyatta succession battle.
Though he has not publicly declared his interest for the seat, ODM leader Raila Odinga is widely expected to make another stab at the presidency having come short four times.
The pro-Ruto camp has widely claimed that the former Prime Minister is using the Building Bridges Initiative to prepare the road for his 2022 presidential bid, the claims the ODM boss has always denied.
So, should the former Lang'ata MP go for the country's top seat, who are his possible running mates?
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru is one of Raila's likely running mates. Widely seen as a possible successor of President Kenyatta's Mt Kenya turf, the former Devolution Cabinet Secretary has been very close to Raila. And as a key BBI advocate, the fast-rising Waiguru could be the person to deliver Central Kenya votes to the ODM leader in case of a political deal between the President and the former Premier.
As the deputy ODM leader, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is ripe to go for higher assignments. And as a key BBI cog in the Coast region, the former Kisauni MP could be rewarded for his loyalty. Most importantly, as a person from the marginalized region, this could play to his advantage in BBI's bid to bridge marginalization.
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya is another man who may be on the right political side. And as the Council of Governors chairman, the former Butere MP could be ripe to go for more senior position. Further, as a senior member of ODM and in good political books with both Raila and Uhuru, Oparanya could be picked to deputize the former Premier in the 2022 presidential race.