The 2022 succession politics is expected to take center stage in 2019.
Several politicians across the political divide have so far declared their interests in various top positions in the next polls.
Presidential, gubernatorial and senatorial positions are among the seats being eyed by top politicians ahead of the 2022 elections.
As succession politics continues to rage on, here are five Ukambani politicians to watch out in 2019 in anticipation for the 2022 general election.
1. Kalonzo Musyoka
The former Vice President and Wiper Party leader is among the top politicians who have declared their interests in the 2022 presidential seat.
Kalonzo says he has what it takes to vie and win the presidential seat in 2022.
He is expected to contest on his Wiper party ticket.
This year is likely to be busy for Kalonzo politically with claims that he plans to rebrand his Wiper party.
Kalonzo is also expected to be fully engaged in his new role as the Jubilee government's peace envoy in South Sudan Peace Mission.
He is also expected to start selling his party's ideologies to Kenyans in anticipation for 2022.
2. Alfred Mutua
The Machakos Governor has also declared his interest in the 2022 presidential election.
The Maendeleo Chap Chap party leader says he has the qualities to be the country’s fifth president.
Mutua recently got a reprieve after the Supreme Court validated his victory.
The Machakos governor is, however, facing an uphill task of convincing his Ukambani backyard to support him.
Pressure from a section of Kamba politicians has been piling on him to quit the presidential race in Kalonzo Musyoka's favor.
Governor Mutua, however, insists that his name will be on the presidential ballot in the next polls.
3. Kivutha Kibwana
The Makueni Governor is among the leaders and politicians to watch in 2019.
He has been voted as the best performing governor in terms of development.
There is online campaign seeking him to contest for the presidential election in 2022 owing to his outstanding performance.
4. Johnson Muthama
The former Machakos senator is among the most vocal Kamba politicians.
Muthama has remained politically active despite failing to contest in the 2017 general election.
The former senator, a close ally of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is among the politicians to watch in 2019.
Political analysts say Kalonzo’s presidential bid in 2022 depends on Muthama’s support.
Muthama has oftenly criticized Kalonzo for "not being serious" in his 2022 presidential bid.
He castigated Kalonzo after the former VP asked to be President Kenyatta’s "mtu wa mkono" (errand boy).
5. Wavinya Ndeti
The former Kathiani MP has unsuccessfully contested for the Machakos gubernatorial seat twice, in 2013 and 2017 respectively.
Ndeti said she will not give up on fighting for what she terms as justice despite losing the 2017's election and a petition case at the Supreme Court.
The politician said she will use other channels to fight for change in Machakos county after the Supreme Court validated Governor Alfred Mutua's August 8, 2017's victory.
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