Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is deemed one of the possible contestants in the approaching 2022 presidential race.
Though yet to come out clear on the issue, the county boss would obviously complicate the contest which has since attracted a number of leaders including his Machakos counterpart Alfred Mutua.
With his gubernatorial seat already up for grabs, this being his second and last term, the Governor remains with only three options.
He has to settle on either exiting the political arena upon the conclusion of his tenure, go for a lower seat which is quite unlikely or upgrade to a higher post, in this case, the presidency.
Being more likely to vie for the top post, the county chief will have no option but to make some tough choices, one being parting ways with opposition leader and his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) boss Raila Odinga, who could also vie in the 2022 election.
Unless Odinga endorses him, the ODM deputy chief would be forced to break their good relationship, by either vying against him or any other candidate that he might endorse.
Joho could as well open up for consultations and allegiance negotiations with other hopefuls.
Wielding massive support, especially from the coastal region, he is likely to receive proposals to deputise other hopefuls, especially Deputy President William Ruto, who is yet to settle on a running-mate.
The same is also likely should Odinga take his fifth stab at the seat, with Joho who has proven his loyalty likely to be tipped for the number two post.
By either vying for a lower post or exiting active politics, Joho will have dealt his political career a blow, as he could lose his current political vibrance and relevance.
Only time will tell.