The declaration by Nyali MP Hezron Awiti that he is vying for the Mombasa County gubernatorial seat has raised shivers among residents of Nyali constituency.
To the residents, Mr Awiti's announcement that he will challenge Governor Ali Hassan Joho is meant to enable Awiti gain popularity.
Awiti is one of the MPs from the county who have declared interest in the coveted job of the governor in a race that has seen the Senator Hassan Omar also declare his interest alongside politician Suleiman Shabaal.
But to Awiti, the race is expected to be an acid test to him even as he battles to prove to his constituents that he is the right man for the job.
According to the residents of Nyali, Awiti should focus at the MP seat and leave Joho to govern for another term.
"He has one and a half years to prove his ability. But am not very sure that the remaining period will be enough for him to deliver," said George Otieno, a resident of the constituency.
Mr Otieno's claims were re-echoed by Mustaffa Omar who also claimed that the legislator should be prepared for a tough task ahead in his quest to fulfill his political ambitions.
"Let him prepare for a tough race," said Mr Omar.
Another resident Yusuf Abdi said the lawmaker should allow Governor Joho to govern for another term.