Renewed energy in the race to succeed Governor John Nyagarama has been witnessed in the past few weeks with top aspirants flexing muscles, over 40 months to much anticipated 2022 polls.

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At 77 in 2022, Governor John Nyagarama, who would have served his two terms, would have little or no influence in the race that is widely determined by the clan, financial prowess, party afflictions and to a small extent, one's tract record.

The race has attracted several contestants but conspicuously, Dr Fred Matiang'i, the powerful Interior Cabinet Secretary, has reduced his penetrations perhaps in preparation for a possible entrance into national politics.

"The minister is focused to serve Kenyans at large not necessarily Nyamira. He traverses to all regions. I think he's looking everything from a bigger picture, rather than reducing his aspirations to local politics," one of his close ally said in confidence.

Former Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati, who narrowly lost to Nyagarama in 2017, and subsequently in Supreme Court, sent signals on Thursday when he met several opinion leaders at a Sotik hotel.

In his address, Mr Nyambati poked holes at Nyagarama's administration, citing escalating wage bill and irregular recruitment of staff as one of major shortcomings he would fix should he be elected to Nyamira 

"Employment was fraudulently done. The wage bill is at the ceiling. These are challenges that we must fix. Nobody is going to silence us no matter what. We shall demand for the rights of people," Nyambati said, perhaps as a warning that he's ready for another trial.

Despite his resilience, his chances could be curtailed by entrance of abrasive and enthusiastic Timothy Bosire, the ODM treasurer who edged him out of Kitutu Masaba in 2013 polls.

Mr Bosire, who blames his 2017 loss to Jubilee's alleged electoral manipulation, has revamped his approach, an indication that he's ready to take the succession race by storm. Recently, he accused county leadership of failing to put Nyagarama on toes.

"They are going on bed with the governor. None of them is willing to question economic atrocities committed by him. Even in parliament, they have never dared to speak for the people of Nyamira. All they do is roaming around with DP William Ruto," said Bosire at a past function.

But the presence of Borabu MP Ben Momanyi in the race, another clear favourite could give headache to both Bosire and Nyambati. Mr Momanyi is serving his second term and comes from the larger Abagirango clan, unlike the two who come from Bogetutu side.

Entangled in the allegations of being a favourite for Nyagarama, Mr Momanyi has often distanced himself from the regime, adding that he's not a stranger in the elective politics.

In an interview on Saturday, Momanyi sarcastically asked Mr Bosire and Nyambati 'to sit down and give one candidate' since they come from the same region. He says his track record is indisputable.

"I have worked for my people and they gave me a second chance due to my record. I was not invited by anyone to politics and I am not serving anybody's interests other than the people," he said after arriving from Saudi Arabia where he had joined fellow PSC team.

He added: "I have seen Nyambati holding meetings and I think he should now talk to Bosire and agree who between them should face me. I am confident that I'll beat any of them on ballot and that's a guarantee."

Others expected to even make the race worth to watch include another former Kitutu Masaba MP Mwancha Okioma, former North Mugirango MP Kiangoi Ombasa, former West Mugirango MP Dr James Gesami and banker James Maganda.

Also in the race are perennial contestants Dr Erneo Nyakiba, former Senator Okong'o Mong'are, Senator Okong'o Mogeni, Dr Abincha and former Judge Anasi Onyancha.

Mr Nyagarama comes from Bogirango clan. The clan consists of West Mugirango and North Mugirango constituencies. But the Bogetutu clan is the biggest in terms of numbers although most strong candidates come from Kitutu Masaba Constituency, thus neutralising it's numbers. Borabu is a cosmopolitan constituency.

Nation Media Group Journalist Nyambega Gisesa opines that in 2022, a revolution would knock out most of the contestants whom he says are too old to lead. Most lead candidates have an average age of 65.

"In 2022, we need a young governor and senator. Youth revolution cannot be ignored. Those supporting the old men should change the approach. We can win these seats if we work together," he wrote.

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