Succession politics for the Makueni gubernatorial seat in 2022 has started to play out as Governor Kivutha Kibwana serves his second and last term in office.
Kibwana, who doubles as the Wiper Party's acting national chairman is serving his last term having been re-elected in last year’s general election on the Kalonzo Musyoka’s party ticket.
Professor Kibwana, a close ally of Kalonzo Musyoka dissolved his Muungano Party in the run up to last year’s general election to join Wiper.
Kibwana is advocating for Kalonzo’s 2022 presidential bid and has often told off critics questioning Kalonzo’s political future.
the Makueni governor has several times distanced himself from the county succession politics, noting that his agenda is to ensure locals get services.
According to political analysts, the following are the politicians likely to succeed Governor Kibwana in 2022:
1. Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior
He is the Makueni senator serving his second term in office.
Mutula Junior joined politics inn 2013 following the death of his late father Mutula Kilonzo.
Political analysts see him as the next big name in Ukambani politics in the future owing to his close association with the people.
The Wiper senator has been vocal on key issues facing Ukambani and the country at large.
Political pundits opine that he could be best candidate to succeed Kibwana in 2022.The senator has however on several times denied eyeing the governor seat in 2022.
2. Daniel Maanzo
He is the Makueni Town legislator serving his second term. He is a lawyer and has been part of the NASA legal team representing the coalition in major court cases.
Political analysts observe that Maanzo’s political confidence and experience in legislation could see him contest for the Makueni governor seat in 2022.
3. Rose Museo
She is the Makueni Women Representative serving second term after being re-elected in last year’s general election.
The Makueni Women’s Rep has been taking part in humanitarian activities and champion the rights and interests of women, youth and other marginalized groups.
Museo is considered, wiper leader close confidant and could contest in the 2022 gubernatorial race. She has been urging women to actively take part in politics as it is not a preserve of men alone.
4. Gideon Ndambuki He served as Planning and National development minister in retired president Mwai Kibaki's government.
He has also served as Kaiti Member of Parliament.
Ndambuki unsuccessfully contested for the Makueni governor seat in 2017 losing to Kibwana.
Political analyst observe that he will make another attempt in 2022 owing to his political experience and connections.
5. David Masika
He is a business tycoon owning the Lolyod group of construction companies.
He unsuccessfully contested for the Makueni governor seat in last year’s general election.
Masika is expected to bid for the seat in 2022 and banking on his business networks to succeed governor Kibwana.
Governor Kibwana who’s serving his last term has not declared his next political move after 2022 with political analysts arguing that he could opt for retirement.