President Uhuru Kenyatta shares a light moment with former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar as DP Ruto looks on. [Photo/ standardmedia.co.ke]
As politicians start assembling their political machinery in readiness for the 2022 presidential race, DP William Ruto is not an exception.Ruto is touted by many as the man to beat in the race that may prove to be one of the most hotly contested in the history of Kenya. However, to do that, he must assemble a group of political players to springboard his ambitions.Seen by many as one of the most brilliant politicians of his generation, the former Eldoret North MP must cast his political net wide to avoid any upset.Just as Jubilee had identified Coast as an important election-winning machine ahead of the last August 8 contest, Ruto should strive to swing the region in his favour. To do that, he must have men on the ground.Former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar is so far his biggest political catch. When he defected to Jubilee in October, Omar hailed Ruto's brand of politics, adding that the DP is his political role model. With President Uhuru Kenyatta crafting his new cabinet, Omar is widely expected to make the cut and join the executive.Having survived the axe and made to the cabinet for the fourth time in his decades-long political career, Tourism CS Najib Balala is so far Ruto's biggest political asset in Mombasa and the Coast region in general. Balala who alongside Ruto set in motion a rebellion against ODM in the run to the 2013 poll, regrouped in Jubilee and delivered victory to Uhuru.Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya who pulled a surprise to defend his seat on a Jubilee ticket is seen by many as a key Ruto lieutenant in the region. The soft-spoken County Chief has proven that he is a political heavyweight and may play a big role in the Uhuru succession race.Former Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung'aro is another politician expected to be a key cog in Ruto's ambitious State House journey, though this will depend on whether he will make it to the government.Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha may be another key member of the Ruto State House machinery. Taveta MP Naomi Shaban and former Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu may also be brought on board.Is there a newsworthy accident, incident or event happening in Mombasa County that you want Hivisasa to cover? Tell us what is happening by joining this group and have it published. http://bit.ly/2BipYa6