With 2022 political realignments starting to take shape, Deputy President William Ruto may raid NASA principal Raila Odinga's camp to springboard his presidential ambitions and further dim ODM leader's burning State House ambitions.
The recent political truce between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga has seen a lot of happenings in the world of politics with Ruto traversing the country trying to endear himself to the locals. The DP has shown an insatiable appetite to make inroads in the former Coast Province and his effort seems to be bearing fruit.
The political wind seems to be changing and the region is starting to embrace Ruto as key ODM leaders from Coast have vowed to support his presidential bid.
Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja, Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa and her Kisauni counterpart Ali Mbogo are some of the leaders Ruto seems to have lured.
The development leaves Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho's statehouse bid in tatters as key allies seem to be running away from him. And just recently, US-based scholar Prof. Makau Mutua had dismissed Joho's Presidential bid saying he is not very ripe for the country's big seat. At the same time, details of the Uhuru-Raila truce remain scanty and Joho could be one of the victims. So what next for him? With Ruto starting to gain ground in his own Mombasa county, joining his camp might be on the cards.
What of Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi? The firebrand County chief has maintained uncharacteristically low political profile since the beginning of new year. As a man who harbours presidential ambitions, he could be keen to chart his own political path. Being the most influential Mijikenda right now, he will have a voice in the political negotiation table. With her key supporter Aisha Jumwa declaring support for Ruto, is he about to jump ship and join the 'hustler'? Well, time will tell.
It may be too early to predict what will happen in 2022 but the Uhuru-Raila truce has given the DP fertile ground to lure the former Premier's political lieutenants to support his bid, with Joho and Kingi being the men to watch keenly.
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