Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has since joined the group of politicians expected to vie for the presidency in the approaching 2022 general election.
This emanates from his recent moves, the last one being his recent meeting with retired President Daniel Moi, a demonstration that he is preparing for the race.
Should he realise his bid declaration, the governor will face, among others, Deputy President William Ruto, who also seems well prepared, resulting to a stiff race.
Joho would, however, beat Ruto in a clean race, as he remains spotless as opposed to Ruto who was even ranked first in a recent opinion poll result conducted by Ipsos Synovate.
Also, Joho is more acceptable nationally contrary to Ruto who is a hard-sell in some parts of the nation, especially the ones allied to the opposition.
This is because he has remained largely respectful, with Ruto on the other hand repeatedly leading his allies in attacking opposition leader Raila Odinga.
This he has done without considering that the veteran politician enjoys a national backing and is respected for his contributions to the nation.
Joho will easily make inroads into Raila's Luo Nyanza, Kisii, Maasai and North Eastern strongholds should he proceed with his bid and this added to his Coastal bedrock, which will automatically back one of its own, will be a plus.
He also has the capability to get some votes from the currently deemed Jubilee strongholds like Meru and some regions of Rift Valley, places Raila has been unable to access.
Basing on his youthfulness, the Governor will have it easy attracting the youth to his side, another plus, as young people constitute the largest portion of our population.
This will deal Ruto who calls himself a youth yet he is openly in his fifties a blow, with the young people likely to retaliate for being taken for fools and their name misused.
He also stands a good chance of being endorsed by more political leaders because he has not made many enemies like Ruto.
The DP has the likes of Baringo Senator Gideon Moi who would give all to keep him off the throne.
Finally, having never been on top of government, Joho will have it easier convincing the people that he will deliver.
He is unlike Ruto who has been at the helm of a government which is yet to deliver some of the promises it gave before its first election in 2013, a good example being the promised stadiums.
With all that considered, Ruto will be in no place to beat the popular governor should they face off in the much-anticipated contest.
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