Kwale governor hopeful Chirau Ali Mwakwere at a past event. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]

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The August 8 elections may prove to be one of the most competitive in the history of the Coast region and Kenya in general as political heavyweights scheme to make comebacks.Having been in the political cold since losing the Kisauni parliamentary seat to Hassan Joho in 2007, Ananiah Mwaboza is keen to avoid disappearing into political oblivion.And to him, 2017 provides an opportunity for a major political renaissance as their Kisauni political rivalry is set to be renewed in the race for the Mombasa Governor position where he has teamed up with Suleiman Shahbal to oust Joho who is the incumbent.In Likoni constituency, former Cabinet Minister Suleiman Shakombo will try his luck once again having been out of parliament since 2007 when he lost to incumbent Masoud Mwahima before losing again to the same opponent in 2013.However, 2017 may be even more challenging as he faces Mishi Mboko, another bigwig in Mombasa politics.In the neighboring Kwale County, former Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere who lost his Senatorial bid in 2013 to the late Boy Juma Boy is another big-name searching for a comeback.Already, Mwakwere, a veteran in the area's politics, having represented Matuga constutuency for 10 years has thrown the hat into the ring as he eyes the Kwale gubernatorial seat. However, he will face two formidable opponents in the incumbent Salim Mvurya and ODM's Issa Chipera.Former Labour Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi is also in the race to unseat incumbent Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi.The former Kaloleni MP who is known for his mobilization skills has hit the ground running bankrolling his political maneuvers. But, his little-known KADU- Asili party may handicap his bid.After winning the ODM party ticket to run for Tana River governor, former Galole MP Dhado Godana is keen to get out of the political cold having lost his seat in the 2013 elections. However, he will have to negotiate his way past the incumbent Hussein Dado who is in the race to clinch the Jubilee party ticket where he faced former Garsen MP Danson Mungatana.Whatever happens, 2017 may prove to be a make-or-break moment for many political big wigs.