With claims of a looming political deal between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi ahead of the 2022 general election, the Uhuru-Mudavadi alliance would be a formidable force to reckon.
If the claims by Lugari MP Ayub Savula are anything to go by, the resulting political alliance may end up becoming one of the most powerful outfits ever assembled in the history of Kenyan politics. And should Uhuru support Mudavadi as his successor, can anyone stop the former Vice President from clinching the seat which he lost in his only attempt, in 2013?
President Uhuru Kenyatta is an incumbent. Using the advantage of incumbency, he still wields enough political power which can influence the 2022 election.
His preferred successor will go into that election with a precious headstart as opposed to his would-be opponents.
The President is a political heavyweight in his own rights. He is the Mt. Kenya region political kingpin. And commanding over 5 million votes in his backyard, he has the numbers that can play a key role in his succession race. There is no doubt that the majority of his supporters from Central will stick with him to the bitter end.
On his side, Mudavadi, seen by many as a "gentleman of Kenyan politics" enjoys massive support in the Western Kenya region. And for the region that boasts over 4 million votes, there is no doubt that that majority of them will back "their son" for the country's top seat.
Besides that, Mudavadi has of late emerged as the defender of Kenyans with his criticism of the manner the country is being governed. This has made him win the hearts of many. His brand of politics has made Kenyans view him as a "safe pair of hands". But is he? Tim will tell.
With a little bit of campaigning in other regions and using President Kenyatta's image of a national leader, the former Deputy Prime Minister can easily find himself as the new occupant of State House after the next poll. But can that deal happen?
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