Kisii senator Chris Obure and Deputy Governor Joash Maangi are playing smart cards to oust Governor James Ongwae, observes political analyst Keragori Mokua.
Maangi, who had initially backed Obure's gubernatorial candidature, retracted his stand on Sunday when he declared his gubernatorial interest.
The two politicians where in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party before decamping to rival Jubilee Party and were formally unveiled by President Uhuru Kenyatta at Kasarani Gymnasium few weeks ago.
"They are just being smart by playing with psychology of Ongwae. At the end of it, only one of them will go for gubernatorial seat. They just want to know James Ongwae's cards before unleashing," he said in an interview.
"Obure is likely to remain Jubilee flag bearer and I don't see a scenario where they will go for Jubilee primaries. Its just a game of mind before unveiling their team," he added.
Governor Ongwae, who is set to defend his seat, is yet to unveil his team with only seven months to elections and this has kept his former allies guessing.