Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court against the Court of Appeal's ruling that nullified his election last Friday.
Mutua is now banking on the Chief Justice David Maraga led court to save his career and revive his push to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta as the fifth Kenyan President in 2022.
Political analysts observe that Mutua’s remaining hope is in the Supreme Court.
Mutua will be reinstated as governor in case the Supreme Court hears and dismisses the ruling by the appellate court.
He will, however, be forced to the ballot if the Maraga led court after hearing of the appeal he has filed rules to uphold the appellate court's decision.
Mutua has been quoted saying his 2022 presidential bid is intact despite the Court of Appeal's ruling.
According to political analyst, Peter Ngure, the Supreme Court hearing and ruling on Mutua’s election will have a great impact on the 2022 presidential succession politics.
The analyst notes that Mutua will be re-energized if the Supreme Court reinstates him as governor and have more bargaining power to seek partnership with others.
He, however, observes that it will be the end of the Maendeleo Chap Chap party leader if the Supreme Court upholds the Court of Appeal's ruling.
“Mutua’s hope is in the Supreme Court and the ruling that will be made by the highest court in the land after hearing of the appeal is being waited by many political bigwigs who have also declared the interest to succeed President Kenyatta,” Ngure said.
The analyst further said Mutua will have boosted his 2022 chances if he goes on to win in case of a by-election.
Mutua is eyeing to succeed President Kenyatta and has made it clear that he will not be anyone’s running mate.
There have been speculations that Mutua could agree to be Deputy President William Ruto’s running mate in 2022
Mutua, DP Ruto, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Mombasa governor Hassan Joho and Bungoma senator Gideon Moi are among top politicians eyeing the presidential seat in 2022.